Hello! My name is Dr. Taranov, and I am pleased to welcome you to our clinic in Wilmington. In this article, I want to discuss root canal treatment—a procedure that can save your tooth and relieve you from pain.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a natural cavity within the root of a tooth, containing the pulp, nerves, and blood vessels. When the tooth pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, or injury, it can cause severe pain and swelling. In such cases, root canal treatment is necessary to remove the infection and save the tooth.
Signs and Symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may need root canal treatment:
- Severe toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- Tooth discoloration
- Swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums
- Persistent bad taste or odor in the mouth
How is the Treatment Performed?
Root canal treatment consists of several steps:
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
- We begin with a detailed examination and X-rays to determine the extent of the infection and the need for treatment.
- Anesthesia
- For your comfort, we use local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth.
- Removal of Infected Pulp
- We access the root canal through the crown of the tooth and carefully remove the infected or inflamed pulp.
- Cleaning and Shaping the Canal
- Using special instruments, we clean and enlarge the root canals to remove all traces of infection.
- Filling and Sealing
- The cleaned canals are filled with a special material (gutta-percha) to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary filling.
- Restoring the Tooth
- In the final step, we place a permanent filling or crown to restore the function and appearance of the tooth.
Root canal treatment in Wilmington is an effective way to save a tooth and relieve pain. At our clinic in Wilmington, we offer professional and compassionate care to restore your health and confidence. If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us. We are always here to help you keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.