A root canal can restore a damaged or infected tooth and save it from being extracted. Signs you may need a root canal include a persistent toothache, sensitivity, and sharp pain when biting into foods. A dentist can examine your tooth to determine if it can be preserved through root canal therapy. At Brilliant Smiles, Dr. James Roberts is your Peachtree City general family dentist for root canal therapy.

Root Canal Therapy

It is possible to preserve an infected or a damaged tooth with root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is needed when the soft pulp material at the center of a tooth becomes infected and the infection spreads down through the canals of the tooth root. In some cases, the infection can cause an abscess to form below the root. If the infection spreads further, it can affect other teeth so they require root canal therapy as well. There are several signs you may need a root canal, including:

• A severe or persistent toothache
• Sharp pain when biting and chewing
• Persistent mouth pain or pressure
• Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold items

Root canal therapy is performed in a manner similar to that for filling cavities in teeth. The infected pulp is removed from the tooth and its root. After removing all signs of the infected pulp, the interior of the tooth and root is thoroughly cleaned. An inert filling is then used to fill empty areas of the tooth and root, which helps strengthen and restore the tooth so it can resume normal functioning without pain or sensitivity. Your Peachtree City general family dentist can determine if root canal therapy could benefit you.

Benefits of a Root Canal

There are many benefits to having a root canal when one is needed. A primary benefit is preserving an infected tooth and avoiding extraction. Not only is the tooth preserved, but root canal therapy also strengthens and restores the tooth so it can resume normal biting and chewing functions without pain or sensitivity. In addition to alleviating pain and sensitivity, root canal therapy also stops the infection from spreading any further.

See a dentist as soon as possible if you have developed any of the signs indicating you may need a root canal. Root canal therapy can save your tooth from extraction and restore it to normal functioning once again. To find out if you need a root canal, schedule an appointment with Dr. Roberts, your Peachtree City general family dentist, by calling Brilliant Smiles at (770) 486-8516.