Root Canal Therapy in Chattanooga, TN
Root canals are not to be feared anymore. We employ sufficient anesthetization techniques to minimize the chances of feeling anything during the root canal treatment!
Root Canal Therapy
The root canal is the area of the tooth that houses the pulp and the nerve of the tooth. In this pathway(the canal), the tooth may become infected. When this happens, not only is the tooth extremely painful and sensitive, but the infection can also spread to other areas of the mouth and to other teeth. The most effective way to treat this infection is through root canal therapy.
Once the anesthetic takes hold and you are completely numb, your dentist access the canal through the top portion of the tooth. Working through the pathway, your dentist will clear away the infected material along with the pulp and any other debris. The interior of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned out to make sure that no infection is left. Sometimes, a root canal will need to be completed in two separate appointments with having medication placed in the canal in between appointments to help eliminate the harboring bacteria.
Your tooth will then be filled with filling material, and a cap or crown will be placed. This is necessary because the structure of the tooth will be weakened, and a restoration will protect the tooth from breakage and allow you to chew comfortably.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
If you have been experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, call our office immediately. You may have an inflamed nerve or bacteria within the canal(s) of the tooth that could require treatment.
- Severe pain in one or more teeth
- Pain that is aggravated by chewing or other pressure
- Pain and sensitivity that is aggravated by hot or cold temperatures
- Darkening of one or more teeth
- A “pimple” on the gums
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums that may radiate to the cheek
Call our office to make an appointment. Root canal therapy may be necessary to get rid of your pain and reduce your stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
The techniques used to perform root canals have advanced considerably, making this routine procedure no more uncomfortable or inconvenient than a filling. Many people who need a root canal are currently in pain, and a root canal will relieve your pain and save your tooth. After your procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, but this will go away quickly.
It is important to understand the process of a root canal. During a root canal, the goals of treatment are to clean the bacteria that is harboring in your tooth, remove the nerve, and RELIEVE YOUR PAIN.
The Process Of A Root Canal.
The first step is make sure you are completely anesthetized and comfortable. The next step is to create an access to the canal. The third step is clean inside the canal and remove any bacteria and nerve. Once, the canal has been sufficiency cleanse, then a thermoplastic material called Gutta Purcha, will be used to seal the canal to help prevent bacteria re-infection.
Once the canal(s) have been filled, then a permanent filling or crown will used to properly restore the tooth. A crown will certainly be needed if a root canal is completed on a back tooth(premolar or molar) to keep the tooth from fracturing. You may potentially feel some soreness around the tooth for a few weeks, but there should not be any pain postoperatively.
Give our office a call today if you've got more questions about root canals!
When the interior of your tooth, specifically the canal, is disturbed by bacteria or trauma, the nerve starts to become inflamed or degenerates. The inflammation of the nerve can lead to severe hot/cold sensitivity and pain upon pressure. Degeneration of the nerve can lead to pain upon pressure or chewing. Sometimes discomfort from either inflamed or degeneration of the nerve can be unprovoked. Root canal therapy will help eliminate the discomfort by removing the nerve and cleaning out the bacteria that infiltrated the canal. It is of utmost importance to properly restore the tooth in a timely manner.
A root canal is the treatment of the nerve chambers within a tooth. The nerve and blood vessels are removed and the chambers of the tooth are sterilized. The nerve canals are then filled to the tip of the root to remove the infection and alleviate pain. This saves the tooth from being lost.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Primesh Modi
Dr. Primesh Modi was born in Houston, TX but grew up in Chattanooga. After graduating from Notre Dame High School here in Chattanooga, Dr. Modi continued his education at the University of Memphis, earning his BS in Computer Engineering Technology in 2005 and a BS in Biology in 2007.
Dr. Modi experienced a great deal of dental care during the first part of his life and discovered that he had a passion for providing outstanding care to others. It was clear to him that his next step would be dental school, and he ...
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