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Root Canal Therapy
Endodontics in Ruston
If you have a toothache, this may be a sign that the inner layer of your tooth has become infected or damaged. Root canal therapy and other endodontic treatment can save your tooth and prevent further discomfort. It’s important to seek treatment for a persistent toothache as soon as possible because if the cause is an infection, this can be detrimental to your dental and overall health. Call us today to schedule an appointment or come in for an emergency visit at our Ruston dental office.
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What Is Endodontics?
Treating the Inside of Teeth
Endodontics is a field of dentistry that focuses on restoring and repairing the inside and inner layers of teeth. Primarily, this field of dentistry is concerned with treating infected teeth with procedures like root canal therapy. When the enamel of your tooth is damaged due to an injury or decay, the pulp inside your tooth is exposed to bacteria and may become infected. This can cause symptoms like a toothache and inflammation of the area around the tooth. If left untreated, an infected tooth will die and fall out. However, endodontic treatment can be used to remove the damaged material, strengthen the tooth, and restore its structure.
Treating Infected Molars
Posterior Root Canal Therapy
The rear (posterior) teeth, including the molars and premolars, are more likely to become infected since serious cavities are more common in the back teeth. To treat infected molars, Dr. Stuckey will numb your mouth, then isolate the tooth with a dental dam. Next, he will remove damaged enamel from the tooth and create a small hole in the top of your tooth. Through this hole, he will extract all of the damaged pulp and tooth material. The area will then be disinfected, filled with a rubber-like material, and sealed with a filling or crown.
Treating Infected Front Teeth
Anterior Root Canal Therapy
While it is more rare, front (anterior) teeth can also become infected. These teeth are more difficult to treat since the top chewing surface is very narrow, so a hole cannot be made in it to extract the damaged material. This means that a small hole must be made in the rear of the tooth to extract the infected pulp. Dr. Stuckey has all of the experience and skills required for anterior root canals, so he can handle even the most difficult cases at our office without referring you to another dentist.
Common Misconceptions
Understanding Root Canal Therapy
The biggest misconception about root canal therapy is that it is painful and extremely invasive. This is simply not true. A root canal is only about as invasive as having a filling placed, and we use the latest techniques and powerful dental numbing agents to keep you comfortable throughout the process. Sedation is also available if you feel that it will make you more comfortable or help with any dental anxiety. Call us today to learn more!
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