Root Canal Therapy
Zeeland, Michigan
Our Procedures
At State Street Smiles, preserving your natural tooth is always our top priority. If you have a damaged or painful tooth, we may recommend root canal therapy to address the source of your pain and restore the affected tooth to its health and function. While many of our patients may find the idea of a root canal daunting, the procedure is relatively comfortable and relieves pain rather than causing it. In fact, most of our patients leave our office with less discomfort than when they arrived.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Your tooth is made of several parts and layers. The visible portion above your gum line is called the crown, while the root is embedded within your gum. At the heart of each tooth is the pulp chamber, which houses soft tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. When this inner pulp becomes infected, it can cause severe pain. Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure designed to remove the infected tooth pulp, relieving your discomfort and preventing further damage.
Without treatment, the infection can cause complications, including severe pain and an abscess, which can lead to bone loss. The infection may also travel through your bloodstream, causing health complications. Root canal therapy helps restore your oral health and safeguards your overall well-being.
What Is the Root Canal Therapy Procedure?
Root canal therapy is a routine, relatively straightforward procedure. We will start by numbing the treatment area with a local anesthetic for your comfort. If you feel anxious about the procedure, you may opt for nitrous oxide sedation to help you relax during treatment.
Once you are ready, we will make a tiny opening in the affected tooth’s crown to access and remove the diseased pulp tissues. Next, we will clean and reshape the area and fill the roots with a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha. The last step is placing a temporary filling.
After your root canal, the tooth may be prone to breakage, which is why we typically recommend placing a dental crown for protection. With proper care, your treated tooth can last a lifetime!
Root Canal Therapy Myths Debunked
The following are some root canal myths debunked:
- Root Canals Are Painful: In the past, this may have been a true statement. However, advances in dental technology, techniques, and anesthetics now help us provide you with comfortable and anxiety-free treatments.
- Recovery Is Uncomfortable: You may have heard that recovery after a root canal is painful for days, but in reality, the procedure relieves pain rather than causing it. Most people return to their daily routine the same day, and if you have discomfort, the medication we prescribe can help.
- Extraction Is a Better Option: Saving a natural tooth is always your best option whenever possible. If extraction becomes necessary, it’s important to consider a replacement, like a dental bridge or implant, to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting and causing further complications.
- Root Canals Often Fail: Root canal therapy is an incredibly predictable procedure with over 95% success rate. With proper care, a treated tooth can continue to enhance your smile for many years to come!
Root Canal Therapy Near Me in Zeeland, MI
If you have a damaged or painful tooth, don’t wait. Prompt treatment can relieve your pain, save the tooth, and prevent a host of complications. Our team at State Street Smiles strives to provide you with a safe, comfortable, and anxiety-free environment where you can relax while receiving the best possible care.
Call us at (616) 772-6243 to schedule a consultation, or visit us online to schedule an appointment today!
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