Years ago, a root canal may have given many patients dental anxiety. Today, with recent advances in dental technology, we find significant reductions with patient discomfort, even shorter recovery times. Through the use of laser-assisted irrigation, our endodontists can more accurately and effectively clean your infected tooth. Thus, improving the success of your root canal and minimizing your discomfort.
What exactly is laser-assisted irrigation, and how does it work? To explain how this dental disinfection procedure has revolutionized the root canal, we’ve compiled this guide to aid in your understanding. If you need a root canal and would like laser-assisted irrigation in Howard County, contact Dr. Lina Jarboe and Dr. Burton Waxman at Access Endodontics today at 410.304.7226.
How Laser-Assisted Irrigation Works
Laser-assisted irrigation is the latest advancement to the root canal procedure. A root canal is performed when the soft tissue inside the tooth, known as the dental pulp, becomes infected. A root canal offers the chance to save the tooth, preventing the need for extraction. During this procedure, the endodontist must clean out the inner tooth to remove all bacteria and disinfect it entirely. That’s where laser-assisted irrigation comes in.
Laser-assisted irrigation uses highly focused light and water to thoroughly clean the tooth of the infection-causing bacteria. Every tooth is different, with the inner tooth being highly complex. This further complicates the root canal procedure as the inner tooths roots are challenging to clean and disinfect. Using laser technology for irrigation and disinfection makes this process easier, more accurate, and more effective.
Accuracy and efficacy aren’t the only advantages offered by laser technology in root canal procedures, either. Laser-assisted irrigation and disinfection will also reduce the amount of bleeding and swelling from the procedure, which means that recovery time is shorter and more comfortable.
How to Know if You Need a Root Canal
There are a number of symptoms that can indicate that you’re in need of a root canal. These include:
- Intense tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pimples on gums
- Tender or swollen gums
- Darkened gum tissue
- A tooth abscess
These symptoms can be connected with other issues that may not require root canal therapy. However, you should speak to your dentist if you’re experiencing any of them regardless. If you do find that you need a root canal, laser-assisted irrigation will make it a much easier and more comfortable process.
Why Choose Laser Root Canal Rather Than a Traditional Procedure?
The prevailing thought about the root canal procedure for years has been that it will be painful and should be avoided at all costs. Whether you already have dental anxiety or not, the idea of receiving this dental procedure might make you uncomfortable.
While we suggest that the traditional root canal isn’t quite as scary or as painful as it’s been made out to be, we’re happy to say that laser technology has further dispelled the notion regarding endodontic treatments.
A traditional root canal involves using a drill to enter the affected tooth. Then the endodontist uses a syringe for the irrigation and disinfection process. With laser-assisted irrigation, the syringe is no longer necessary, which means far greater efficiency in clearing out all the infected areas of bacteria.
If You’re in Need of a Root Canal, Call Access Endodontics
If you need a root canal using laser-assisted irrigation, trust Dr. Lina Jarboe and Dr. Burton Waxman to help you. Contact Access Endodontics by calling 410.304.7226 or using the online form.