Root canals are also known as endodontic treatment. These procedures can save a tooth that would otherwise be extracted. After removing bacteria and the damaged nerve, Columbia, SC dentist Dr. Forbes seals off the resulting cavity. If much of the tooth structure is gone, the tooth is capped with a dental crown.
Inside The Tooth
In the center of each tooth is living tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves. Blood flows through the pulp and nourishes the tooth. When tooth decay is left untreated, infection can spread to the inside of the tooth and kill the nerve. The result is swelling, inflammation, and throbbing pain. Sometimes, a dental abscess may also form.
The Procedure
To get rid of pain permanently and prevent the spread of infection, your dentist will perform a root canal. Here’s what to expect during the procedure:
Your dentist will numb your gums and administer local anesthetic to numb the area completely. You won’t feel anything, but if you are very anxious, oral sedatives can help you reach a higher level of relaxation. The tooth is then isolated with a rubber dam or a metal frame, and Dr. Forbes gets to work.
First, Dr. Forbes creates a small opening to remove the dead pulp and clean the root canals. The space is then filled with antibiotics and gutta percha (a rubbery material). A dental crown is often needed to restore function after treatment. After removing decay, Columbia, SC dentist Dr. Forbes will make a digital impression of the tooth that will be used to create the permanent crown in the office. Finally, the crown is cemented into place.
Painless Root Canals In Columbia, SC
Contrary to popular belief, root canals are not painful, at least in our Columbia, SC dentist office. The whole thing is done under local anesthesia, so there is zero pain involved. If you are extremely anxious, Dr. Forbes can prescribe sedatives to help you relax. Most of the time, the people who say that root canals are painful are people who have never had a root canal!
You can rest assured that Dr. Forbes is well-trained in local anesthesia and oral sedation and will give you just the right amount to where you will feel no pain. You will have only a short recovery time from the anesthesia and sedation, if provided, because Dr. Forbes provides just the right amount. There will be several points throughout your time at Total Dental Care where you’ll notice Dr. Forbes’s expertise being put on display, and this will be one of them!
Dr. Forbes is an active member of the South Carolina Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He also attends as many classes as he can to stay up to date with the most modern dental practices and technologies.
Get treated in complete comfort at Total Dental Care. Our painless root canals in Columbia, SC can eliminate the infection that you have in a tooth. If you have localized pain in a tooth, you may need a root canal, and you should call Total Dental Care 803-272-4162 or make an appointment using our online contact form. We can’t wait to get rid of the pain you are having in a tooth and restore your dental health!
