A root canal procedure is designed to get rid of bacteria due to an infected root canal, save the infected tooth, and prevent reinfection. You don’t really have to worry if your dentist recommends that you undergo root canal therapy for treating your diseased or damaged tooth, as millions of teeth worldwide are saved through this procedure every year.

Here at Ottawa Smiles Dental in Holland, MI, your dentist, Dr. Todd Brewer, treats and saves infected teeth via root canal treatment to keep our patients’ smiles whole and healthy.

The Root Canal Treatment Explained

Underneath your tooth enamel and dentin, inside the tooth, is where the pulp lies. This soft tissue contains connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels that help grow the tooth root while it’s developing. If the pulp gets infected, it will result in all sorts of symptoms that will put your tooth at risk for extraction if not treated in time.

When you undergo root canal therapy, the infected or inflamed pulp will be removed and your tooth’s interior will be thoroughly disinfected and cleaned, filled up, and then sealed. It’s actually quite similar to a routine dental filling treatment and can typically be completed in just one or two sessions with your dentist.

Because you’ll be given an anesthetic, the procedure will be painless. Additionally, you’ll find yourself smiling, chewing, and biting without pain in just a couple of days. Do note though that it’s normal to feel some numbness and soreness after root canal treatment as well as some tolerable discomfort for several days while the treated tooth is healing.

How to Know If You Need Root Canal Therapy

In general, your dentist in Holland, MI, may recommend root canal therapy if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

• A pimple on the gum that may or may not be oozing foul discharge
• Extremely tender, swollen, and/or reddish gums
• Intense pain when biting or chewing
• A significant crack or chip on a tooth
• Darkened gums or deep decay
• Lingering and severe sensitivity to cold and hot

To Determine If You Need Root Canal Treatment, Call Us

Book your appointment with our dentist, Dr. Todd Brower of Ottawa Smiles Dental here in Holland, MI, by calling (616) 399-3600‎.