Endodontics: Root Canal 101

At Hiebert Smith Dental Group, St. Helens, OR area patients can learn about the endodontic treatments available with our professional team. One of the most common and routine endodontic treatments is that of root canal therapy.

What is a “root canal?”

The root canal are the areas in the tooth that extend down to the roots. These areas hold a mass of tissues known as the dental pulp. If the dental pulp becomes traumatized or infected, it can result in a severe toothache. To resolve the problem, the dentist may recommend a treatment known as endodontic therapy or “root canal therapy.” During this procedure, the dentist will access the inner portion of the tooth to remove the dental pulp. Then, the area is sealed off and often covered using a dental crown. This protects the tooth from damage as it can become weak and brittle without the dental pulp in place.

Is root canal therapy painful?

Some patients are worried about the treatment being painful. However, the toothache that brings patients to our practice is more painful than the procedure itself. This is because our team utilizes proper sedation and anesthetics to ensure patient comfort from start to finish. While some discomfort may occur after the procedure for a day or two, patients can often manage it with the use of over-the-counter pain medication as the area heals. Patients should never be fearful of root canal therapy as it is a comfortable procedure when performed correctly and with the use of proper sedation and anesthetics.

What are the alternatives to root canal therapy?

Due to the circumstances that lead to root canal therapy, there is no other alternative treatment outside of permanent extraction of the problematic tooth. It is important that patients understand that removal of a permanent tooth requires immediate replacement to avoid bone loss and the shifting of other teeth. Tooth replacement options may also be much costlier than performing root canal therapy instead.

Discuss root canal therapy with your dentist today

Call our team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group of Saint Helens, OR to discuss your dental needs with an area professional. The friendly front office team be reached at (503) 397-6144 and can help schedule an appointment at the practice.