Relieve Your Pain and Save Your Tooth
When a toothache strikes, many people hesitate to visit the dentist due to fears about root canal treatment. However, avoiding this procedure can do more harm than good. At Diamond Family Dental in Sterling Heights, MI, Dr. Yousif wants you to know there’s no need to be afraid. Root canal treatment is often the most effective way to ease severe dental pain and can save a damaged tooth from needing extraction. Here, you’ll find helpful information about how root canal therapy works and the benefits it offers for your oral health.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp—the innermost part of a tooth—becomes infected or damaged. This can cause inflammation and intense pain as the nerve inside the tooth sends strong signals, often resulting in a severe toothache. Root canal therapy aims to resolve these problems and relieve your discomfort.
During the procedure, Dr. Yousif, your trusted dentist at Diamond Family Dental in Sterling Heights, MI, carefully accesses the tooth’s interior. Using specialized instruments, he removes the infected or damaged pulp and the nerve. To preserve the tooth’s structure, the space is then filled with a durable material called gutta percha. Typically, a crown is placed afterward to restore the tooth’s strength and function.
Do You Need a Root Canal?
You might require root canal treatment if you experience any of the following:
- A severe, persistent toothache that throbs.
- A tooth that appears darker compared to your other teeth.
- A small, pimple-like bump on your gums.
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers even after the temperature source is gone.
If you think you may need a root canal, don’t wait to book an emergency appointment. Delaying care can lead to tooth loss, jawbone damage, and other serious oral health issues. Additionally, an untreated infection could spread beyond your tooth and potentially cause systemic health problems.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy provides several important advantages:
- Comfortable experience: While root canals once had a reputation for pain, modern techniques and technology have made the procedure much more comfortable. Many patients say it feels similar to having a small filling placed.
- Tooth preservation: Saving your natural tooth whenever possible is key to maintaining overall oral health and avoiding the costs and complications of tooth replacement.
- Immediate pain relief: Although your mouth may feel a bit tender afterward, the sharp pain caused by infected or damaged dental pulp is usually relieved right away.
- High success rate: Root canal treatment boasts over a 95% success rate, making it a reliable solution for saving damaged teeth.
