Considering Root Canal Treatment: What You Need to Know
Endodontic therapy or root canal treatment may be necessary if you have a tooth infection. This procedure involves treating the nerves and tissues beneath the gum line that keep the tooth alive. Root canals become necessary when these nerves and tissues, which make up the tooth’s pulp, become infected due to deep decay, damage, or other trauma. Drs. Jeff Bue and Julie Chang of Kennebec Dental Excellence serving Winslow and Waterville, Maine, may recommend this treatment when necessary to save the tooth and prevent it from needing to be extracted.
Do I need root canal therapy?
When possible, we always aim to save your teeth from extraction. One way this can be accomplished is by getting a root canal. Root canal therapy can help eliminate pain and infection and help achieve this goal. Permanent tooth extraction is the only alternative, and our doctors will try to avoid it whenever possible.
Is root canal therapy painful?
Contrary to what you may have heard, a root canal is not a painful procedure. In fact, it is no more painful than a routine filling. Our dental team is highly trained and experienced in performing endodontic therapy. We understand that some patients may be anxious about the procedure, which is why we offer sedation options to help them relax. With local anesthetics and sedation, if needed, patients can be comfortable during the treatment. If you experience anxiety or fear about an upcoming root canal, please speak to our team so we can explore dental sedation as an option for you.
How do I know if I need root canal surgery?
Our dental team can evaluate your condition to determine if root canal therapy is necessary. Root canal treatment can help save your natural tooth, avoiding permanent extraction. Root canal therapy is a safe and effective procedure to eliminate tooth infection.
Common reasons a root canal may be recommended include:
- Decay that has reached the inner pulp of the tooth
- A deep crack or chip in a tooth
- Faulty crowns
- You’ve received repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
We believe everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile, and we’re here to help you achieve that.
So, if you have any questions about root canal treatment or any other dental procedure, feel free to contact us by calling (207) 810-5088 and requesting a visit at our Winslow, ME office, conveniently located at 464 Benton Avenue. We’re always happy to help!
