A root canal treatment is frequently used to save your natural tooth from being extracted. The treatment may be necessary when the pulp of the root socket becomes infected. A damaged tooth or advanced tooth decay can allow bacteria to enter the root canal infecting the pulp.
An infected root canal causes significant discomfort and should be treated as soon as possible. A root canal procedure removes the infection, relieves pain, and saves the structure of the natural tooth for a more stable oral foundation.
Dr. Desbordes understands that many people may experience some dental anxiety when they hear the term “root canal”. Many patients associate root canal treatments with pain, but the truth is the procedure itself is no more painful than a dental filling.
In fact, the root canal procedure will relieve you of pain almost immediately. The infection in the root canal is what causes the discomfort, and once it is cleaned out, patients experience a drastic decrease in pain. Root canals have a success rate of 95% and allow people to preserve their natural teeth.
If the infection is too severe a patient’s tooth may be too damaged for a successful root canal treatment and a tooth extraction is required. Dr. Desbordes will perform a thorough oral health exam to determine the best treatment for your tooth infection. If a root canal is the chosen method of restoration, a dental crown may be needed to secure the tooth.
The Office is always helpful and supportive. It is like a family and everyone is friendly. My husband, who has always been afraid of going to the Dentist is even comfortable here. I would recommend Dr. Desbordes and his office…Robin C.
Always professional and helpful with any situation that may arise.Kenneth G.
Dr. DesBordes and his staff are outstanding!John N.
My visit to Dr. Desbordes was excellent. He took me for an emergency. The treatment and the service of the staff was excellent.Wanda D.
Root Canal What to Expect
A multi-step procedure, root canals require a few visits to our dentist office in Baltimore MD. This procedure will provide long-term, durable, and natural-looking results. Dr. Desbordes will begin with a thorough and comprehensive oral health exam to determine the appropriate treatment. He will explain the process thoroughly and ensure you understand the benefits for your oral health.
Root Canal Treatment
To access the infection a small hole is drilled into the tooth. Then a special tool is used to remove the diseased tissue. Dr. Desbordes will scrape out the infected pulp leaving the tooth hollow and disease-free. The tooth is then cleaned and polished. Dr. Desbordes may need to temporarily seal the tooth to allow the infection to heal completely in more advanced cases.
Once the infection is fully healed, the canal is filled with gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is a biocompatible rubber compound that takes the place of the pulp to help stabilize the structure of your tooth and prevent further decay or damage. Dr. Desbordes may recommend a dental crown to cap your tooth. The crown will be custom designed to match your natural smile for beautiful and lasting results.
Yes. Although root canals are considered an oral surgery procedure, you are awake the entire time. Your mouth will be numbed to keep you from feeling pain. We will ensure that you are comfortable the entire time. You will be given post-operative instructions so that you can fully manage your recovery.
No. You will be required to wait for a couple of hours before you can eat. After the numbness in your mouth fully wears off, you should only eat soft foods and drink room temperature fluids before you can return to your regular diet. Avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods for the first couple of days after your root canal.
Antibiotics are not required after root canal therapy. Most patients do not need a prescription for antibiotics or painkillers. You will only need an antibiotic in special cases if we feel that it is necessary for your health. Post-op discomfort can be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
