What you need to know about root canal treatment
When patients have experienced significant damage to a natural tooth, their dentist may have a few different avenues to consider regarding treatment. Whenever possible, Drs. Jerald S. Matt and Naila Bryan at Main Line Dental Health and Wellness will want to perform the most conservative treatments possible while maintaining natural teeth whenever possible. This is where they might recommend root canal treatment to save a tooth from extraction.
Why might I need root canal therapy?
With root canal therapy, sometimes referred to as endodontics, Drs. Matt and Bryan can help patients maintain their natural teeth. This eliminates the need for permanent extraction and replacement. Root canal therapy is often much less expensive than extraction and replacement, making it a more desirable option for patients on a budget.
What happens during root canal therapy?
During the root canal process, our dentists remove the inner tissues called the dental pulp to deaden the tooth and address the infection. They start by numbing the patient locally and providing sedation if needed for patient comfort. Then, they create an area to access the inner canals of the teeth, which is where the dental pulp rests. The pulp is removed, and the canals are disinfected to ensure no bacteria are inside before gutta-percha is used to fill and seal the tooth. In many instances, they may recommend fabricating and placing a dental crown to bond over the tooth and provide protection, as root canal therapy can leave the remaining tooth structure weak and brittle.
Do I need root canal therapy?
Our team at Main Line Dental Health and Wellness in Bryn Mawr, PA, can evaluate you and recommend the best course of action to achieve oral health and wellness. We always choose the most conservative and affordable treatments to meet your needs and ensure you can maintain a healthy smile for life! If you live in the areas of Villanova, Wayne, Ardmore, Radnor, or Gladwyne, PA, and want to speak to Drs. Jerald Matt and Naila Bryan, about your treatment options, call (610) 947-5566 to request a visit at our facility, 776 West Lancaster Avenue.
