Root Canal Therapy – South Portland, ME
Erasing Your Pain and Preserving Your Natural Smile
Are you experiencing intense sensitivity and pain in a single tooth? The cause is most likely an infection located in the most vulnerable and fragile part of your tooth, the pulp. Some patients hear the words “root canal” and automatically assume the worst. Despite its notorious reputation as being a treatment you want to avoid at all costs, this procedure can actually ease your pain and save your natural tooth. Plus, with the latest dental technology, the process is virtually painless! Each day, thousands of teeth are saved by this treatment. At Gannett Drive Dental, our goal is to preserve your beautiful natural grin and ease your discomfort.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
According to the American Association of Endodontists, it’s estimated that 15.1 million root canals are performed each year. Although the treatment is often described as a dental death sentence, it’s not. At Gannett Drive Dental, we do everything we possibly can to save your natural tooth, which is why we don’t automatically jump to extracting it.
With root canal therapy, we’re able to access the inner portion of your tooth and remove the infected pulp that’s causing you severe pain. We’ll clean and sanitize the inside of your tooth and fill it using a composite resin, sealing it off from harmful oral bacteria. To restore the function and strength of your damaged tooth, we’ll top it off with a dental crown that has been customized to comfortably and securely protect it from any further harm.
There’s also no need to worry about being in pain, because we’ll numb the area using a local anesthetic beforehand. Since your comfort is one of our top priorities, if at any point before your appointment you become anxious or worried, we’ll gladly sit down with you and walk you through the treatment, assuring you that there’s absolutely nothing to be scared about.
Signs That You May Need Root Canal Therapy
Root canals are typically caused by an infected tooth. This can happen when a cavity has been left untreated, leaving the inner, more delicate portion of your tooth vulnerable to being attacked by harmful bacteria. Patients typically visit our office when they feel a severe toothache, a common sign that the pulp inside your tooth is upset. Some other symptoms to be aware of include:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Pain when you bite down.
- Swelling or redness near the damaged tooth.
- A pimple-like bump on the gums located near the damaged tooth.
As soon as you notice any of these signs, contact our office immediately. Drs. Gagnon will tend to your discomfort immediately and develop a treatment plan to save and repair your tooth. Although it can be tempting to see if the pain disappears, the longer you wait, the more at risk you are for losing your tooth, so it’s best to not put it off.
Tips For a Speedy Recovery
Recovering from a root canal isn’t as bad as most people would have you believe. Following the aftercare instructions given to you by Dr. Gagnon will make sure you have a speedy recovery. Here’s what to do to steer clear of complications:
- Plan on eating foods that you don’t have to chew for the first few days following your procedure, such as smoothies.
- Keep your head elevated while you sleep to avoid swelling.
- Avoid smoking while your gums heal.
- Try not to exercise or exert yourself for the few days following your treatment because it can cause bleeding.
- Get the proper rest to speed up your healing time.
- Pay attention to how your mouth feels.
- Notice if your crown is uncomfortable or giving you problems.
Once your procedure has been completed, you’ll be able to rest assured knowing that your tooth is healthy and no longer going to cause you pain. If you have any questions following your appointment, our team of dental professionals would be more than happy to help!