Root Canal Therapy & Extractions in Edgewood
At Chesapeake Contemporary Dentistry, we offer comprehensive root canal therapy and extractions in Edgewood, Joppa, and Abingdon. Dr. Peter H. Roth and Dr. Keith E. Moomaw are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating tooth pain and other related dental issues. We understand that tooth pain can be stressful, so we strive to deliver immediate treatment.
We listen to your concerns and discuss solutions to preserve your long-term oral health and wellbeing. With a comprehensive list of treatments, we can deliver complete care for your entire family, all under one roof. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
CALL US: (410) 679-2790 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure meant to eliminate bacteria from a severely infected tooth. It is designed to prevent further infection and save your natural tooth. Inside your tooth, under the enamel and dentin, there is soft tissue known as pulp. This soft tissue contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues that help your tooth stay healthy.
Surprisingly, an adult tooth can survive and remain healthy without the pulp because the surrounding tissues can effectively nourish it. Our dentists can help you restore your dental health and function through root canal treatment. We can relieve pain and get you back to your routine quickly and efficiently.
If you have a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or issues with a previous filling, you can benefit from root canal therapy. Other common signs you may need a root canal include:
- Severe pain when chewing or biting
- Swollen or tender gums
- Abscess on the gums
- Lingering sensitivity to cold or hot food or drinks
- Darkening of gums around a tooth
What is a Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is a dental procedure designed to save a decayed, infected baby tooth. Our dentist may recommend a pulpotomy if your child has a severe cavity and an infection in the tooth's pulp (pulpitis).
We also recommend this procedure when a previous repair on a deep cavity exposed the pulp underneath, rendering it vulnerable to bacterial infection. With a pulpotomy, our dentists removes the pulp from within the tooth's crown.
Unlike root canal therapy that removes all your tooth's pulp plus the roots, a pulpotomy leaves the roots of your tooth intact. That is why we use it for children's baby teeth, which usually have an immature root formation.
Baby teeth help maintain proper spacing for the permanent teeth that will follow, and that is why keeping them intact is our priority. We sometimes use pulpotomy in adults and teens with secondary teeth, provided they have enough healthy pulp within the tooth to keep it vital.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
When it comes to dental infections, we understand that each case is unique. Root canal therapy can differ from one individual to the next and even from one tooth to another for the same person. Our dentists take the time to evaluate your situation and formulate a customized treatment plan carefully. Generally, the procedure we follow during root canal therapy includes these steps:
- Our team takes x-rays and all needed imaging of the infected tooth.
- We then administer an anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth and make you feel comfortable during the procedure. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
- Our dentists then create an opening in the tooth to remove the infected pulp.
- We carefully clean out the pulp chamber and root canals and disinfect the chamber.
- Our dentists then fill the chamber with an antibacterial material and seal it with a dental filling.
- On your final visit, our dentists will complete your restoration with a tooth-colored crown for long-lasting protection. We usually wait until the tooth is healed and infection-free, then place your crown.
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy or Extraction?
The decision to go for root canal therapy or extraction will depend on the condition of your tooth. If your root structure is intact, we don't need to remove the tooth. Root canal therapy can save any tooth with damaged, diseased, or dead pulp that is otherwise functional.
However, if the tooth is too weak, extraction is often the best option. That usually happens if you have a very deep cavity that compromises a larger area, rendering it too vulnerable to repair. Moreover, if your tooth has a severe fracture or cracks extending into your gumline, our dentists may recommend an extraction. We can also perform extractions for children and teens, including impacted wisdom teeth or crowding.
If your situation calls for extraction, our dentists will discuss various tooth replacement options such as dentures, partial and full bridges, and dental implants. We can even do bone grafts at the same time to prepare for implant treatment. For complex cases, we will refer you to a trusted specialist to ensure the best results.
Your Comfort is a Top Priority!
Root canal treatment is no more painful than having a filling done. To alleviate anxiety and make you feel at ease during root canal therapy or extraction, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas). You may feel a little numb or sore after the procedure, but the feeling will fade away in a short while.
We recommend not putting any pressure on the tooth for 2-3 days following root canal treatment to ensure a speedy recovery. Our dentists recommend over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Quality Root Canal Therapy & Extractions in Edgewood!
At Chesapeake Contemporary Dentistry, we are committed to exceptional quality and always work tirelessly to earn your trust. Dr. Peter H. Roth and Dr. Keith E. Moomaw will take the time to understand and address all your dental concerns. Moreover, we deliver treatments that suit all ages while ensuring that your experience is positive, relaxing, and comforting. We proudly serve our Edgewood, White Marsh, Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall Joppa, and Abingdon communities. Contact us today to schedule your root canal therapy or tooth extraction consultation.
CALL US: (410) 679-2790 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
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