A root canal is an important tooth-saving procedure. At the practice of Gary R. Woodal, DDS, MAGD, PA, we use root canal therapy to treat severely damaged and infected teeth that are causing pain and disrupting the balance of a patient’s oral health.
Root Canal Therapy in Knoxville, TN
What Is a Root Canal and Why Would I Need One?
If a tooth infection is left to spread without any intervention, it will eventually make it to the pulp inside the tooth. The pulp is where the nerves and vessels are that keep the tooth alive. Therefore, the infected pulp generally causes a lot of pain. Since this is happening on the inside of the tooth, the damage may not be visible, even when you look closely in the mirror. Instead, you will feel it through pain and notice other signs that include bleeding, swelling, and bad breath.
If we don’t catch the problem soon enough or if you avoid dental care out of fear, you could end up losing the tooth and/or having a broader infection throughout your mouth. Ignoring tooth pain can lead to additional problems that would actually require more extensive and invasive treatment than a root canal. Treating the problem right away will eliminate your pain and restore the full function of the tooth.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
When a patient comes to us complaining of tooth pain, Dr. Woodall first conducts a thorough examination to check whether they have a tooth infection or if the issue lies elsewhere. If we recommend a root canal to resolve the problem, we will take out the infected pulp and then clean inside the tooth, fill it, and seal it. Finally, we will use a crown or filling to restore the structure of the tooth. The extent of treatment and the number of visits you need will vary based on the severity of your infection.
Always Act Immediately
Please contact us as soon as possible when you have pain or other symptoms in your mouth. Treatment is quicker, easier, and more cost effective when we catch problems early compared to when they are left to progress.
