The start of a new year is a great time to check-in with your oral health provider to make sure you’re heading into the year with a healthy smile. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, pain, or discomfort this could be a sign of decay, damage, or disease. It’s important to seek care with an endodontist as soon as you experience symptoms like these to increase the chances of saving your natural tooth. Why an endodontist? Because they are dental providers who specialize in saving teeth!
Dr. James A. Penney III, DDS, is an experienced endodontist who has been providing expert care in Little Rock for more than 20 years. Using state-of-the-art equipment and working alongside a trusted team, Dr. Penney can help you save your smile. One of the most common endodontic treatment options is a root canal. Keep reading to learn more about this procedure and when it may be necessary to preserve your natural teeth.
What is a root canal?
At the center of your teeth is pulp, a collection of blood vessels that help to build the surrounding tooth. The pulp can get infected, causing trauma, decay, and damage. To eliminate infected material, your dentist will likely remove Injured pulp will, and the root canal system will be thoroughly cleaned and sealed.
About 90% of root canals are successful! Local anesthetic in addition to nitrous oxide analgesia can be used to ease discomfort. You will be able to go home soon after your treatment, and most patients can drive themselves. In general, endodontic treatment is less expensive than tooth removal and replacement.
When to see an endodontist?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, don’t delay making an appointment for an evaluation:
- Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods
- Chronic pain in head, neck, or ear
- Sharp pain when biting down on food
- Constant and severe pain and pressure
- Swelling of gums
- Sensitivity to touch
- Ache or pressure in upper teeth and jaw
Why choose a root canal over other treatment options?
Saving your natural teeth, if possible, will always be the best option. There are no ways to completely replace a natural tooth. Artificial teeth will never be able to fully replace your natural tooth, as you may have to avoid certain foods and continue to replace or correct the replacement tooth.
If you are recommended a tooth extraction, ask if a root canal is possible. Endodontic treatment, along with restoration, is the most cost-effective way to treat damaged pulp and is generally less expensive than extraction and replacement. Endodontic treatment has a high success rate, and many root canal-treated teeth will last a lifetime.
Need to make an appointment with an endodontist?
With a skilled provider like James A. Penney III, DDS, the root of the tooth can be treated, allowing patients to save their natural teeth while restoring full function. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, call 501-227-7668 today to schedule an evaluation. Dr. Penney’s office has a 24/7 answering service to ensure you get the care you need as quickly as possible.