Root Canal

Root Canal

What Is A Root Canal?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.

How Is A Root Canal Performed?

If you experience any of these symptoms, Dr Salloum will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

What Happens After Treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, Dr Salloum will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.

How Much Will It Cost?

Instructions After Root Canal

  • Root Canal Therapyoften takes two or more appointments to complete. A temporary filling or crown is placed by yourBright Dentaldentist to protect the tooth between appointments.
  • After each appointment when anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours. Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.
  • Between appointments, it’s common (and not a problem) for a small portion of your temporary filling to wear away or break off. If the entire filling falls out, or if a temporary crown comes off, call yourBright Dentaldentist so it can be replaced.
  • It’s normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a root canal appointment, especially when chewing. To control discomfort, take pain medication as recommended by your Bright Dentaldentist. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.
  • To further reduce pain and swelling, rinse three times a day with warm salt water; dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, then rinse, swish, and spit.
To protect the tooth and help keep your temporary in place :
  • Avoid chewing sticky foods (especially gum).
  • Avoid hard foods and hard substances, such as ice, fingernails and pencils.
  • If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.
  • It’s important to continue to brushing and flossingnormally. Usually, the last step after root canal treatment is the placement of a crown on the tooth. A crown covers and protects the tooth from breaking in the future.
  • If your bite feels uneven, you have persistent pain, or you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Bright Dental Bethlehm Phone Number610-317-2400.

Make your dream smile a reality! Call us at 610-317-2400 or make an appointment

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3739 Bath Pike
Bethlehem, PA 18017

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