Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

To save your teeth, your Mooresville, NC, dentist Dr. R. Scott Langdon, may recommend root canal treatment. You may require a root canal if inflammation is present in the roots of one or more teeth. The purpose of root canal treatment is to eliminate harmful bacteria causing the infection, prevent re-infection, and preserve the natural tooth. Root canal therapy has a high success rate. If you require root canal treatment, Dr. R. Scott Langdon dedicates himself to delivering optimal care with minimal or no pain and discomfort.

What is a Root Canal?

There are one to four root canals in all of our teeth. Inside your tooth beneath a hard layer of dentin and enamel, is a soft tissue called pulp. The pulp is the inner chamber for the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue - so when it develops an infection, you're most likely to experience pain, discomfort, and sensitivity.

Why Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?

When the soft tissues inside the pulp become infected or inflamed, root canal treatment is an excellent alternative to tooth extraction. Removing the diseased tissue halts stops the spread of infection in its tracks and saves a problem tooth, restoring it to a healthy function. An injury to the tooth may also cause pulp damage. If the diseased tooth is left untreated, a painful abscess may form.

How is a Root Canal Performed?

Your Mooresville, NC, dentist, Dr. Langdon, can perform your root canal in three visits or less. During your visits, you can expect him to remove the dental pulp that has acquired an infection, clean and disinfect the pulp chamber, and reshape the tooth's tiny canals. Once the area is sterile, the doctor will fill the channels with an elastic material and a safe medication designed to prevent infection.

If you have excessive inflammation in your tooth's roots, it may be time to discuss root canal treatment with your Mooresville, NC, dentist, Dr. Langdon. For questions or concerns, please call (704) 664-1188.