When most of our patient hear “root canal” they cringe. Even the toughest patients have learned to fear root canals, but we have great news for our brave patients and the less brave as well – root canals actually relieve toothache and dental sensitivity. If you need a root a canal, let Dr. Frank Michitti and the skilled Lifetime Dental of Agawam team help. Call our Agawam dental office right away. We typically treat root canal therapy in Agawam, MA as a dental emergency, so we will schedule an appointment to see you as soon as possible.
A root canal is a restorative dentistry procedure necessary when tooth decay or damage reaches the innermost layers of teeth called pulp. The entire nerve system of the tooth is housed inside of the pulp layer, and when it’s accessed by damage or decay, the result is the painful toothache that most people associate with root canals.
The only way to know for sure that you need a root canal is to visit our Agawam dental office, but you should let our team know right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Root canal therapy is actually a very straightforward treatment. The most important thing for patients to know about this treatment is that they will experience almost immediate relief from their toothache and dental sensitivity. We’ll begin by numbing the area around the damaged tooth. Then, Dr. Michitti drills a hole in the tooth to the pulp. We extract the pulp and nerve structure. If there is significant infection, we may need to give a round of oral and/or topical antibiotics to ensure all of the infection is cleared before we continue treatment. A similar biocompatible structure called gutta percha is used to refill the tooth and recreate the lost structure. Next, we refill and seal the access hole. In most cases, we will also need to place a dental crown to protect and strengthen the tooth. In these cases, we prepare the tooth and capture bite impressions. A temporary crown is placed to protect your treated tooth, and you will need to return to our dental office to exchange your temporary for a custom dental crown.
Once your root canal is completed, you will be able to care for your smile just like usual. We may recommend you switch to a softer bristled toothbrush and a less abrasive toothpaste. Otherwise, you should continue brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our skilled dental hygienist for regular professional teeth cleanings.