Root canal therapy, or endodontic therapy or treatment, is a standard dental procedure that can save an infected or damaged tooth from extraction. This treatment involves removing the infected pulp inside the tooth and sealing it to prevent further infection.
At Access Endodontics, we specialize in providing high-quality endodontic treatment services for our patients in Ellicott City, MD, and the surrounding areas. Our team of experienced endodontists uses advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure a comfortable and successful treatment experience for our patients. Contact our team online or call 410.304.7226 to learn more about root canals in Ellicott City, as well as related dental services, such as endodontic retreatment.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a procedure to save damaged or infected teeth. During the process, your dentist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inner tooth and canals. Then, they fill and seal it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterward, your dentist will place a crown or filling to protect the tooth from further damage. With proper care, most root canals last a lifetime.
Root canals are extremely common. They are the most frequently occurring service provided by endodontists. Most traditional root canals take two visits to complete treatment. However, Access Endodontics uses advanced dental technology—Biolase—and can complete the root canal procedure with as little as one visit. Advanced tools make these procedures more comfortable, efficient, and effective. In a short visit to our dental office offering root canal therapy in Ellicott City, you’ll be pain-free and ready for a natural, fully functional tooth.
Many people fear root canals because of the myth that they are painful procedures. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. With modern technology and anesthesia, root canals are virtually painless. Most patients report feeling immediate relief after their procedure.
People with dental anxiety may tend to avoid endodontic treatment altogether. However, leaving an infected tooth untreated can lead to severe complications, such as abscesses or tooth loss. Our team at Access Endodontics understands dental anxiety and takes the time to discuss dental treatment options and answer any questions you may have. We strive to create a calm and comfortable environment for all our patients so you can feel confident and at ease during your root canal therapy.
Why You May Need Root Canal Therapy
An infected tooth occurs when the pulp inside becomes irritated or inflamed from a crack, decay, chip, or repeated dental procedures. As a result, there is inflammation and pain. Most individuals visit their dentists at this stage, only to learn that they’ll need a root canal. The good news is that root canals have a 97% success rate today, consequently avoiding a more invasive tooth extraction.
Patients are referred by their dentist to an endodontist for a root canal when they have infected or inflamed tissue in the interior of their teeth. While cavity fillings can often repair minor decay, root canals are necessary for more extensive damage.
The following signs are indicators that you may need a root canal:
- Persistent or severe pain in your tooth, face, or jaw – Including pain that wakes you up at night
- Swollen gums around the aching tooth – Causing tenderness and bloating
- Discolored tooth – Often with discoloration turning darker
- Temperature sensitivity – Cold or hot food or drinks may cause severe pain to your teeth
- Pimple-like swelling on the gum – Known as a draining abscess, caused by a pocket of pus within your gums from the infected tooth’s root tip
- Sensitivity to touch on your gums near the tooth – Touching and putting pressure on your gums may cause severe pain
- Tooth loosening – Caused by bone loss from the infection
- Chipped or cracked teeth – Often from an accident or injury to the mouth
Visit your dentist if you’re experiencing any of the above. They may recommend a root canal and refer you to one of Access Endodontics’ doctors. Endodontists are trained specialists who can eliminate aggravated pulp inside the tooth. They have the skill set to relieve pain and protect your teeth from further damage.
Difference Between Root Canal Therapy and Endodontic Retreatment
Access Endodontics also offers endodontic retreatment in Ellicott City, MD. Root canals can fail in some cases. Endodontic retreatment is a procedure that removes the previous filling material and cleans, disinfects, and refills the tooth’s interior.
Reasons for an endodontic retreatment include:
- A breakdown of the filling over time, allowing bacteria to re-enter the root canal system
- Undetected, intricate canal anatomy that cannot be detected by the initial treatment
- New decay on the tooth
- Cracked or broken crown, causing recontamination of the root canal system
Not all root canals need retreatment, and if this is necessary for you, your endodontist will discuss why it’s needed. In most cases, an endodontic retreatment can save your tooth.
Our doctors use digital X-rays to view your teeth better and perform an accurate treatment. As technology advances, so does endodontic retreatment. Our team at Access Endodontics is dedicated to providing you with the best care possible. Endodontic retreatment at our dental office is comfortable, convenient, and efficient.
Why Finding a Good Endodontist Is Crucial for Root Canal Therapy
Endodontists are highly specialized dentists, receiving two additional years of training to perform advanced procedures like root canals. This extra education allows them to investigate and diagnose oral health problems, which might otherwise evade notice. Endodontists, not general dentists, typically perform root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, and surgeries. This is why many general dentists refer their patients to Access Endodontics.
While many general dentists can perform a root canal procedure, seeking treatment from an endodontist for more severe cases or complications is best. They are trained to handle complex root canal treatment and retreatment cases, ensuring the best possible outcome for your oral health.
In Ellicott City, MD, Dr. Lina Jarboe and Dr. Burton Waxman at Access Endodontics provide exceptional endodontic care. With advanced technology and expertise in root canals and endodontic retreatment, our team is committed to saving your natural teeth and relieving pain or discomfort.
What to Expect from Our Root Canal Therapy in Ellicott City
In addition to the results of the assessment by Access Endodontics, the needs of our patient will determine whether a surgical or non-surgical root canal treatment will be recommended. Regardless of the approach, the entire procedure should last for about an hour to an hour and a half.
A root canal treatment involves several steps:
- Anesthesia – Your endodontist will numb the area around your tooth with local anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience.
- Pulp removal – An opening will be made at the crown of your tooth to remove inflamed or infected pulp. We may use the Biolase system to eradicate any diseased or damaged pulp.
- Cleaning and shaping – Your dentist will then clean and shape the root canals for filling. You will not feel pain during these steps, as the tooth is completely numb.
- Filling – The cleaned canal will then be filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material that seals the canal and prevents further infection.
- Crown placement – Post treatment, you will return to your general dentist for a crown. The crown is placed on top of the tooth to protect it from further damage.
Some patients feel more comfortable when sedated during dental procedures, so talk to your endodontist about any dental anxiety you might experience. Our advanced technology, combined with the extensive experience of our endodontists, will make this procedure virtually painless.
How to Care for Your Teeth After a Root Canal
After a root canal, you may be prescribed an antibiotic. This can prevent and treat any infections. You might experience some soreness or discomfort after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help you manage pain, though in some cases, you may also be prescribed a prescription pain reliever.
Root canals have a high success rate, but proper care is essential to maintain the treated tooth’s health. After your root canal therapy in Ellicott City, our dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions, which may include any or all of the following:
- Avoiding chewing on hard or sticky foods for a few days
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication if needed
- Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily
- Scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist to monitor the treated tooth’s health
It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best results from your root canal therapy. You can expect your treated tooth to last a lifetime with proper care and regular dental visits. While it’s challenging to predict endodontic retreatment needs, good oral hygiene, and regular check-ups significantly reduce the chances of a root canal needing to be redone.
Call Access Endodontics Today to Inquire About Root Canal Therapy in Ellicott City, MD
Contact Access Endodontics online or call 410.304.7226 to learn more about root canal therapy in Ellicott City. You can also ask your general dentist for a referral to our services that you may need. We look forward to providing you with exceptional endodontic care.