Root Canal in Wilmington, NC
Historically, root canals have been known to be excruciating, and many people area fraid ofthe procedure. If you need a root canal and are feeling apprehensive, allow the kind and expert dentists atFamily Dental Care of Wilmington, NC, to assuage your fears.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
Root canals treat infected and abscessed teeth. When a tooth is abscessed, bacteria have permeated the pulp inside your teeth. An infection in your tooth's pulp is not only extremely painful, but it can also be rather dangerous. An untreated infection in one tooth can spread to your other teeth and even the rest of your body. If left unaddressed, a systemic infection can even threaten your life.
Bacteria may enter your teeth by a variety of means. In addition to a severe cavity exposing your pulp to harmful bacteria, cracks and chips in the teeth can also leave you vulnerable to infection. If a dentist has ever poorly installed a crown, this also leaves you exposed.
How Does a Root Canal Work?
While root canals were once known for being invasive and painful, this is no longer the case. Today, root canals function similarly to routine fillings, though this treatment may take two visits to complete.
Dentists start root canals the same way they start cavity fillings by administering local anesthesia, removing decayed enamel and dentin, and cleaning the area. Unlike a filling, your dentist will then move deeper into your tooth and remove any infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth. If the infection has caused an abscess, your dentist will also need to clean it and remove the resulting decay from your jaw.
After the dentist has cleared your tooth of infectious material, your tooth will need to have the empty space filled. Dentists have a variety of materials that they use to fill each part of the tooth. If necessary, your dentist will also install a crown to protect your tooth's interior.
If you suspect you need a root canal, call us at
+19107952602 to make an appointment.
