Root Canal Therapy

Dentist in Hudsonville

A root canal is a treatment of the center of the tooth that is inflamed, infected or dead. The center of the tooth, called the pulp, is a soft substance that consists of nerve, blood vessels and connective tissue. Symptoms of the infection include visible injury or swelling of the tooth and sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums. If you experience any of the symptoms, contact your dental office.

Your dentist will take an x-ray of the tooth. If he or she determines that you need a root canal treatment, 1 or 2 appointments will be schedulred based on the size and duration of the abscess and other factors.

Before starting root canal therapy, the doctor will administer local anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort. A dental dam is placed on the infected site to isolate the affected area. A small opening is made through the top of the tooth to gain access to the pulp. The pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the root canal, is removed from the chamber and canals. The canals are then cleaned with a disinfecting solution. X-rays may be taken throughout the procedure to ensure each canal is being adequately treated.

Once the canals are cleaned, they are filled with gutta percha, a rubber-like material to protect and seal. A temporary filling may be placed in the opening until it can be replaced by a permanent filling. After the root canal is completed, the tooth will need a crown to protect it from fracturing.

After the procedure, your tooth may feel sensitive for the first few days. This discomfort may be relieved with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until you have a full restoration.

Root canal therapy can preserve a patient’s tooth for a lifetime. It is a highly successful procedure with more than a 95% success rate.

Read Our Hudsonville Dental News

Family Dentist in Hudsonville

Family Dentist in Hudsonville MI | 12 Reasons to See Your Dentist

October 15, 2020

Don’t wait until you’re in pain to see your Hudsonville dentist! Most people make time to clean out the house, car, garage, or closets at least twice a year. Why not include your oral health on your “to do” list? […]

READ MORE
Hudsonville dentist

Dentist in 49426 | Restoring Smiles with Veneers

October 1, 2020

About 1 in 4 adults in the United States feels embarrassed by the look of their smile. Our Hudsonville dental office is proud to offer porcelain dental veneers to new and existing patients. Our Hudsonville dentist has the training and […]

READ MORE
Hudsonville MI Dentist

Hudsonville MI Dentist | Dental Implant Restorations

August 24, 2020

About 1 in 4 adults experience tooth loss between the ages of 21 and 30. Dental implants are a safe and long-term option for tooth replacement that improve the appearance and functionality of your smile. A dental implant can be […]

READ MORE
Dentist in Hudsonville
7559 36th Ave., Suite 400
Hudsonville, MI 49426
(616) 229-7177