West Union Root Canal Therapy
Save Your Natural Tooth
If a damaged or infected tooth is causing pain, root canal therapy can relieve discomfort and help you keep your natural tooth. At Smile Designs of Southern Ohio, Dr. Ben McDonald provides gentle treatment to restore your oral health and help you feel comfortable again.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is a restorative dental procedure that treats infection or damage inside a tooth while preserving your natural tooth. Instead of removing the tooth, Dr. McDonald carefully removes the affected tissue from inside the tooth, cleans the area, and seals it to help prevent future problems.
Because your natural tooth is preserved, you can continue smiling, chewing, and speaking normally. In many cases, a dental crown is placed after treatment to strengthen and protect the tooth.
When Is a Root Canal Needed?
Root canal therapy is recommended when the soft tissue inside a tooth, called the pulp, becomes damaged or infected. This can happen because of deep decay, a crack in the tooth, repeated dental procedures, or an injury.
You may benefit from root canal therapy if you experience:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swollen or tender gums around a tooth
- A tooth that has become darker in color
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. McDonald can evaluate your tooth and recommend the treatment that's right for you.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Before treatment begins, Dr. McDonald will numb the area around your tooth to help keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Once you're ready, he will carefully remove the damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth before cleaning and disinfecting the area.
After the inside of the tooth has been cleaned, it is sealed to help protect it from future infection. In many cases, a dental crown is recommended afterward to strengthen the tooth and restore its appearance and function.
By preserving your natural tooth whenever possible, root canal therapy can help you get back to eating, speaking, and smiling as usual.
Recovering After Your Root Canal
Most patients can return to their normal routine the same day or shortly after treatment. It's common for the treated tooth to feel a little sensitive for a few days, but this usually improves as you heal.
If Dr. McDonald recommends a dental crown, it will help strengthen and protect the treated tooth so you can continue chewing and smiling comfortably. Following your aftercare instructions and maintaining regular dental visits will help keep your restored tooth healthy.
Save Your Smile With Root Canal Therapy
If you're experiencing tooth pain or think you may need a root canal, Dr. McDonald and the Smile Designs of Southern Ohio team are here to help. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment, and we'll recommend the best path forward.