If you’ve been experiencing severe, constant tooth ache or hot and cold sensitivity, you may need root canal therapy to ease your pain. The caring staff at Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are here to help whatever your dental care needs. At our welcoming, comfortable Carlisle, PA office, Dr. Thomas Neslund provides experienced root canal treatment to ease you pain, and restore you smile. If you think you may need a root canal or you’re interested in finding a great dental practice for all of your health care needs, call us to schedule an appointment today. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
Endodontic therapy commonly referred to as root canal therapy is necessary to remove decay and restore damage to your tooth’s roots. Gum infection or severe tooth decay can reach break down the protective enamel layer of your root very quickly. In the center, the canal, there is a soft layer of pulp and sensitive nerves that help relay tooth pain. Many patients don’t know they need root canal therapy until the decay has reached their nerve causing severe pain. Damage to these nerves can actually kill your tooth, so the sooner you receive root canal therapy, the better.
The pain commonly associated with root canals is actually caused by damage to the nerve. The treatment itself should significantly reduce pain by removing decay and restoring your root. Regular checkups and x-rays can help your dentist discover root canal damage before it becomes painful. If you are experiencing painful or swollen gums, constant or severe tooth ache, or extreme hot and cold sensitivity, you may need a root canal. Visit us as soon as possible, so we can put a smile back on your face.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
Endodontics is a dental specialty. The word itself is derived from two Latin words: endo – inside and odont – tooth. This specialty focuses on understanding and caring for the inner workings of the tooth including the pulp layer and the root canal. Dr. Neslund has years of training and experience in endodontics, and can provide you with excellent root canal therapy not matter how severe the damage. Our goal at Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is to retain and restore your natural teeth, and root canal therapy can be an effective way to avoid tooth extraction if the root is damaged.
Most patients who need root canal therapy will need to schedule two or more visits. During your first visit, Dr. Neslund will determine the severity of the damage to your root, and work with you to develop a treatment plan. To stop the spread of infection before your root canal therapy can be performed, Dr. Neslund may prescribe antibiotics. A course of antibiotic treatment will also ready your body for the procedure.
The day of the treatment, Dr. Neslund will x-ray your tooth and the surrounding jawbone to get the shape and size of the canal, and look for any signs of deterioration to the surrounding teeth or your jawbone. The procedure itself removes bacteria, infection, and affected dental pulp and nerves. If there is a good deal of infection, your doctor may want to treat the infection before restoring the tooth canal. Whenever Dr. Neslund determines your tooth is ready for restoration, he will place gutta-percha, a plastic and rubber compound, inside your tooth to fill the space left by removing pulp and strengthen the tooth. Then, the exterior hole used to access and clean the canal is closed with composite filling. Depending on the extent of the damage, additionally tooth restoration may be necessary to return your tooth to restore your smile.
Find Out More
Don’t live with toothache or sensitivity. Root canals may have a bad reputation, but they significantly diminish nerve pain in your root canal and restore your bite health. If you need dental care of any kind, Dr. Neslund and that staff at our Carlisle, PA office are here to help. Call to schedule an appointment or find out more about the outstanding oral health care at Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Our friendly practice welcomes customers from Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Boiling Springs, Shippensburg, and the surrounding communities.
A root canal is a procedure that is sometimes, but not always necessary. Deep cavities are most often to blame for anyone that’s in need of root canal treatment. We’re sure you’ve heard the horror stories of root canals of yesteryear from either friends or family. “It was so horrible…I heard the drill and immediately went into shock. It was the worst thing EVER!” Well, we’re here to squash any myths regarding root canal treatment. For starters, it isn’t as painful as your friends or family have led you to believe. There have been so many advancements in the dental industry over the years and tweaks to root canal therapy have been made as well. Gone are the days of endless pain when receiving a root canal and in are the day so of maximum comfort. Our office in Carlisle, PA wants you to know that you have options when it comes to dealing with a severe toothache or cavity that’s embedded itself deep into your tooth. Dr. Thomas Neslund is the dentist Carlisle residents can see whenever any problems arise, especially if you’re in need of a root canal.