Root Canal Therapy Can Preserve Infected Teeth
Teeth that have become infected can lead to serious discomfort and pain. Root canal therapy is a conservative restorative procedure to treat damaged teeth, and prevent the need for extraction. Dr. Emma Wu can perform gentle, minimal discomfort root canal therapy at our North Andover, MA, office to remove infection, and alleviate your toothache pain. She uses advanced dental technology to make the treatment comfortable and quick. In addition, we are able to use the innovative CEREC® system to complete root canal therapy and restore the structure of your tooth with a high-quality crown in a single visit.
If you are suffering from a toothache and need gentle, timely treatment contact our office today or call us at (978) 774-0725 to schedule an appointment.
When Root Canal Therapy Is Needed
When decay spreads to the soft, inner pulp of a tooth, your tooth can become infected. The pulp contains the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth, which cause extreme discomfort when infected or inflamed. In some cases, your toothache may cause constant and throbbing pain. In other instances, it may come and go, or present as a sharp, shooting pain. Often, your toothache will worsen in response to pressure, heat, or cold.
During root canal therapy, Dr. Wu will remove all infected tissue, helping to relieve the pain. Root canal therapy is similar to having a large cavity filled, and most patients experience little, if any, discomfort during the procedure.
What to Expect during Root Canal Therapy
Dr. Wu uses advanced dental lasers to provide effective treatment with limited need for anesthetic and sedation. Because lasers eliminate the heat and friction caused by drills, patients are often able to receive treatment with only local anesthesia. However, Dr. Wu can administer sedation for patients who are extremely nervous or sensitive.
Using lasers, Dr. Wu will alter the tooth to access the infection within. She will carefully and gently remove all infection from deep inside the root canals. She will then fill the canals with gutta-percha, a rubber-like substance that will provide strength and support to your repaired tooth. Dr. Wu will then prepare your tooth for a crown, which will restore structure, strengthen your tooth, and provide protection from future decay.
If you receive a traditional lab-fabricated crown, you will wear a temporary until your permanent crown can be created. This process usually takes about two weeks. If you receive a same-day crown, Dr. Wu will take advanced digital scans of your tooth to design your custom restoration from a chair-side computer. An in-office milling unit can then use these designs to carve your restoration from a solid piece of porcelain in an hour or less, eliminating the need for a second appointment.
Dr. Wu uses advanced dental lasers to provide effective treatment with limited need for anesthetic and sedation. Because lasers eliminate the heat and friction caused by drills, patients are often able to receive treatment with only local anesthesia.
After Your Procedure
Dr. Wu may prescribe an antibiotic to help prevent further infection and ensure that all current infection is removed. After treatment, you may experience some sensitivity for a couple of days. However, this discomfort should fade quickly and be treatable with over-the-counter pain relief. It is important to maintain proper hygiene after root canal therapy. You must brush and floss every day, and maintain regular dental checkups to avoid the chance of future decay and toothaches.
Find Pain Relief Today
If you have a toothache, waiting to see a doctor can cause the issue to worsen and damage your oral health. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wu and relieve your pain.