Root canal therapy is one of modern dentistry's most beneficial restorative treatments. By removing the inflamed and diseased interior pulp of an infected tooth, this treatment is able to preserve the dental structure for many more years of service! At the Radcliff office of family dentist Dr. Ernest Skaggs, you or your loved one can experience relief from nagging tooth pain with the help of root canal therapy!

Details on tooth anatomy

Each of your teeth contains soft pulp deep in their interiors, including in their necks and root canals (i.e. the thin chambers that course down each tooth root). According to the American Dental Association, tiny blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue comprise the pulp, and unfortunately, when exposed to bacteria through injury or decay, it can become inflamed and infected.

What is root canal therapy?

To heal a tooth abscess or fractured tooth, your Radcliff family dentist often advises root canal therapy. Also called endodontic therapy, the typical in-office root canal procedure extracts damaged pulp, seals the tooth, and crowns it to reinforce the hard structure. The procedure takes two visits to Dr. Skagg's office and is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.

The American Association of Endodontists states that teeth restored with endodontic therapy typically last for many years and function very well without the pulp. Additionally, all dentists, including Dr. Skaggs, maintain that keeping as many of your natural teeth as possible is good for your remaining teeth, bone structure, gum tissue, oral function, digestion, and of course, your smile aesthetics. This makes root canal therapy a great option.

Do you or a loved one need root canal therapy?

Here are several symptoms which may indicate that you or someone in your family need root canal treatment:

1. Throbbing toothache
2. Drainage from the tooth
3. Reddened, sore gums
4. Swollen jaw
5. Dark tooth enamel
6. A large chip or deep crack
7. Multiple or damaged dental fillings
8. Dental sensitivity when you contact hot or cold foods (especially if the pain remains for a while)

Dr. Skaggs asks you to call the office if you experience these symptoms so he can inspect the tooth, X-ray it, and determine what dental treatment would serve you best. Also, be sure to see him every six months for an exam and cleaning. Some troublesome teeth show no symptoms at all yet still need restorative treatment to be healthy. Dr. Skaggs will alert you to any potential problems he sees on routine examination.

Additionally, remember that Dr. Skaggs is a family dentist, meaning that he is qualified to treat patients of all ages. So, if you suspect that your child or aging parent may have a problematic tooth, bring them on by!

Find out more

If you or a family member are experiencing a dental problem, please call Dr. Ernest Skaggs and his team for prompt, effective treatment. The office opens at 8 am Monday through Thursday for your convenience. Phone (270) 351-3265 today!