Diseased teeth require immediate care or you risk losing teeth and spreading the infection. Dr. Mark Peterson of Sebastian River Dentistry offers his patients root canal therapy at his Sebastian, FL, office to treat teeth.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is a specialized procedure that treats infected soft pulp (nerve) tissue inside the tooth. Pulp tissue is rich in blood vessels, connective tissue and nerve cells, which is why people often feel pain.
What happens if you don't get a root canal?
Pain may go away temporarily but without treatment, the infection will only get worse and lead to an abscess and systemic problems in other parts of the body.
Is root canal therapy painful?
Contrary to popular belief, the infection is what causes pain and the procedure eliminates it. Your Sebastian dentists uses a local anesthetic during the procedure to alleviate discomfort.
What causes the need for a root canal?
- Untreated dental cavities eventually eat away at the tooth until they reach the pulp, causing infection. You need to visit your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and regular checkups to treat cavities during early stages and avoid needing a root canal in the first place.
- Trauma to the tooth is a major cause of pulp tissue damage. Cracks and breaks make deeper tooth layers more accessible to bacteria that can penetrate and infect teeth.
What does the procedure consist of exactly?
Dr. Mark Peterson removes the infected part of the tooth, removes the pulp, disinfects the canal, and fills it to prevent future bacterial infection. Your tooth will be protected with a filling or dental crown.
Who do you need to contact?
For more information about root canals, call Dr. Mark Peterson of Sebastian River Dentistry in Sebastian, FL, at (772) 388-3119 today.