Root Canals – Ardmore, OK

Heal a Tooth Infection with Gentle Root Canal Therapy

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Bodily infections are commonly treated with antibiotics. Tooth infection may also be partially treated with medication, but a procedure called root canal therapy is often required in order to completely excise the infection. A root canal removes the infection as well as the tissue contents housed inside a tooth. And because an infected tooth is often quite painful, the procedure becomes all the more imperative. Dr. Guthrie, your dentist in Ardmore, is adept at performing root canal therapy that preserves your tooth so you can avoid extraction.

How Does a Tooth Become Infected?

Your teeth are strong—really strong. Each one is covered in an outer layer of enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. Underneath the enamel is dentin, another tough layer filled with tubules that transmit sensations such as hot and cold to the nerve inside your tooth. That nerve, as well as blood and lymph tissue, is in the pulp chamber and root canals.

Problems can begin when the acids excreted by oral bacteria erode the enamel and a cavity forms. If not caught and treated in a timely fashion, those same bacteria migrate to the pulp chamber, infecting the tissue.

What are the Signs of an Infected Tooth?

The first sign is usually a serious toothache. For many people, the pain is unbearable so they head to the hospital emergency room. More often than not, the doctors there can only prescribe pain relief and recommend that you see a dentist for root canal in Ardmore.

Other common signs include:

How is a Root Canal Performed?

The first step is ensuring your comfort. Dr. Guthrie will administer a local anesthetic to deaden the tooth and surrounding tissue. We also offer sedation dentistry. If you’d like, there’s nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation to help you relax during the procedure.

Once the site is anesthetized, Dr. Guthrie drills a small access hole and then uses special instruments to remove the infection and the tissue that fills the tooth’s pulp chamber and root canals. Fortunately, a tooth can function without these tissues. The space is disinfected and filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material that supports the remaining structure and prevent recontamination. Finally, the tooth is sealed and prepared for a customized dental that will restore form and function.

If you need to have an infected tooth treated, call Dr. Guthrie, your dentist near me.

Root Canal FAQs

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

On average, a root canal can take 30 to 90 minutes. No two situations are identical, which is why the time it takes is based on many factors, like the tooth being treated. Molars often take longer than front teeth because they have multiple roots, which will require more time to clean out. Depending on your situation, you may need a dental crown to protect your tooth. Besides performing the root canal, your dentist will need to reshape your tooth and take an impression to create your restoration. Don’t worry, we will explain exactly how long we anticipate your procedure to take during your consultation.

How Long Does a Root Canal Last?

When performed by a qualified dentist, root canal therapy has a high success rate. You may never experience any future issues with the tooth; however, poor oral hygiene can lead to new decay. Therefore, your procedure may need to be repeated. Although your root canal can last for a lifetime, your dental crown will need to be replaced about every 10 years.

Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?

A root canal is needed when there’s an infection deep within your tooth. Generally, antibiotics are used to treat infections; however, they don’t work on infected teeth. Antibiotics travel through your bloodstream to treated infected areas. Although effective, your bloodstream doesn't reach the pulp, the inner layer of your tooth. Therefore, they can’t treat the infection. The only way to treat an infected tooth is with root canal therapy. Delaying the procedure can lead to the loss of your tooth.

How Much Pain is Normal After Getting a Root Canal?

You shouldn’t have any pain during a root canal in Ardmore, but your mouth can be sore for a few days after any numbing medications wear off. You can expect your discomfort to improve within a few days. It should be easy to manage using OTC pain relievers. It’s best to eat soft foods to avoid any additional discomfort. If your tenderness doesn’t improve or worsens, contact our office right away.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Root canal therapy has a bad reputation for being painful, but there’s nothing to fear. Your dentist will keep your comfort as their top priority. A local numbing medication can be used to block any pain during your procedure. You may feel some pressure or unusual sensations, but you won’t experience any outright pain. After the effects of any numbing medications dissipate, it’s normal to have temporary tenderness.

 
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