Root Canal Therapy in Lewiston ME

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Professional Care For Root Canal in Lewiston ME

Root Canal Therapy or RCT, is a dental surgical technique where a hole is made in the affected tooth to gain access to the infected pulp that lies underneath. At that point, depending on the nature of the infection, antibiotics may be applied to clear the infection. The pulp itself may be removed if the infection is too severe, or other techniques may be used.

It is important to get proper RCT from a professional once you have been diagnosed with infected roots or pulp because, without treatment, this can lead to:

• An infected swelling that can spread to other parts of your mouth, face, and head.
• Bone loss around the root area
• Infected fluids can drain into the gums, spreading the infection further or even penetrating the cheek.

In every case, the outcome is the same; ignoring the problem will simply make it grow larger and potentially infect much more of your mouth, face, and head. But, with a proper diagnosis of the problem, a few RCT techniques can be employed depending on the severity of the infection. Some of the procedures that can be employed are:

Pulpectomy:

In the less serious cases, only a partial root canal, or pulpectomy needs to be performed. This is a two-step process. The first visit will give access to the pulp to administer antibiotics and ensure that the infection is eliminated in other parts of your mouth and confined to the pulp.

Once your mouth has recovered somewhat, the next step is to remove the infected pulp, then thoroughly clean, disinfect and fill the formerly infected canal.

Apicoectomy:

In cases where an infection is more severe and goes beyond the root tip, a dentist may suggest an apicoectomy. The root tip, tissue, and apical infection are treated, requiring a much larger area to be opened in your tooth. Once the treatment has been completed, a biocompatible, rubbery, plant-based material known as Gutta Percha is used to fill in space and seal the tooth from bacteria and possible reinfection.

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Root Canals: What To Know About Root Canal Therapy at Aspire Family Dentistry

The process of performing a root canal can vary between dental offices. We use the latest technology and procedures to make it work. First, we remove the pulp tissue, including nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels, and then clear any bacteria inside the tooth. Then, it’s sealed in much the same way as a cavity.

Next, a crown is placed on the tooth, which holds it together and protects the inside of the tooth. Dental crowns often last for years, and are an important step to your complete smile makeover. Don’t forget, root canal therapy protects the remaining natural tooth from further infection, and even reinfection. Through the root canal process, the tooth will continue to receive nourishment from the body.

They’ll also relieve pain and leave your overall oral health in much better shape than before.

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Do Root Canals Hurt?

Root canals are very effective dental treatments that our team here at Aspire Family Dentistry performs on a regular basis. With anesthesia properly administered by a dental health expert, root canals are no more painful than most dental procedures, including fillings and other procedures.

Patients may experience soreness, numbness, as well as discomfort, which can persist for days. Then, it shouldn’t bother you again for years.

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Typically, root canals are recommended by a dentist after a thorough examination. However, if you haven’t visited a dentist for quite some time and are experiencing unusual amounts of pain in your tooth, the infected pulp may be the problem. Call our team at Aspire Family Dentistry today for an accurate assessment and see if a root canal can treat your problem.