Root CanalAn Overview
Dr. Melissa Elliott offers a broad range of restorative dentistry treatments for patients with cracked or chipped teeth, severe damage or infection, or tooth decay in her Bel Air, MD dentist office.
Root canals are used for patients suffering from deep-rooted decay or infection of the root canal. Root canals help to save your natural tooth for a more stable oral foundation.
What is a root canal?
The term root canal actually refers to the interior of a tooth where the pulp and nerves are located. A root canal treatment is needed when a tooth becomes damaged or decayed and allows bacteria to enter the tooth causing the pulp to become infected and inflamed.
Damage to the pulp can cause many painful symptoms including pain in the tooth, swelling, sensitivity to hot and cold, and the gums to feel hot. The only way to relieve this pain is to remove the infected pulp.
A common misconception with a root canal is that it is very painful when in actuality the pain is from the infection itself. A root canal procedure is very similar to getting a tooth filling and most people will feel a sense of relief once the infection has been removed.
It is a routine treatment that will remove the decayed tissue from the root canal of the tooth leaving most of the tooth intact. An infected tooth should be treated as soon as possible to avoid the need for a tooth extraction.
Due to advancements in dentistry, the root canal process has become less painful and intrusive. Root canals can often be completed in just a single visit to our Bel Air, MD dentist office.
Dr. Elliott may recommend a root canal to restore health to a damaged or diseased tooth. A root canal serves to preserve the natural tooth and avoid tooth extraction, supporting lasting dental health.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Don’t let your tooth pain go undiagnosed. We offer a variety of services to help relieve your pain including root canals. Dr. Elliott welcomes new patients to Harford County Dentistry in the Bel Air, MD and Fallston, MD area. Call today or schedule an appointment online.