If one or more of your teeth are aching or decayed, you may be avoiding a trip to the dentist because you’re afraid you might lose the tooth or need to undergo a painful procedure. In many cases, Dr. Michael Cattafesta, an expert cosmetic and family dentist, can save your tooth with a pain-free root canal at Cattafesta Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Herndon, Virginia. To save your smile with a root canal, book an appointment online or over the phone today.
If your tooth has been compromised by decay or trauma, Dr. Cattafesta will evaluate its structure to determine if you’re a candidate for a tooth-saving root canal. Saving your natural tooth is always preferable to extracting it — or worse — not treating it at all.
The middle of your tooth contains soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves and blood vessels. If decay starts developing in this area, or it’s damaged when your tooth suffers trauma — such as getting hit — your tooth will become very sensitive and painful. A root canal will remove the pulp — and the pain along with it.
When Dr. Cattafesta performs a root canal, he first numbs the area with a local anesthetic. He then creates a small opening at the top of your tooth. Dr. Cattafesta then removes the damaged or infected pulp from your tooth.
Once your tooth is free of the unhealthy tissue, Dr. Cattafesta washes, disinfects, and reshapes the inside of your tooth. Finally, he fills the pulp chamber with a rubber-like material to stabilize your tooth.
After the procedure, Dr. Cattafesta caps your tooth with a temporary crown and sends orders to a lab to create a permanent crown. Once your custom-designed crown comes in, Dr. Cattafesta removes your temporary crown and cements your final crown into place.
A tooth infection that’s left untreated can have dire consequences. A painful abscess can form and cause it to fall out or lead to the need for an extraction.
An infection in one tooth can also spread to other teeth. The infection can even enter your bloodstream and create a life-threatening condition known as a systemic infection, which can injure any or all of your organs.
You’ll care for your tooth as you normally would. You should brush and floss twice a day. Dr. Cattafesta may also recommend increasing your number of professional cleanings.
Don’t delay treatment for an aching or decayed tooth. Contact Cattafesta Family & Cosmetic Dentistry online or over the phone today to inquire about a root canal.
