Root Canal Therapy Chattanooga | Lookout Valley Dental
Save Your Natural Tooth with Professional Root Canal Therapy
A severe toothache or sensitivity to hot and cold may indicate an infection deep inside your tooth. Root canal therapy can help pain relief when decay or damage reaches the pulp to keep your natural tooth in place. Dr. Tyler Lunsford delivers efficient, painless root canal treatments that support both oral health and tooth functionality.
Due to its poorly understood past, root canal therapy has a bad reputation for being painful although, in fact, it is no more painful than a filling.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a kind of dental procedure that entails removing an infection inside a tooth while preserving its structure. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. The cavity is sealed to prevent the formation of an infection. A crown is placed over the tooth for enhanced support and protection.
By performing root canal therapy, patients are able to keep their natural teeth instead of extracting them, which is crucial for maintaining proper chewing function.
When to See a Dentist for Root Canal?
Pain is often the first sign of a serious dental problem. Some of the symptoms that may require a root canal include:
Persistent toothache or pain when eating or drinking. Hot, cold, sweet, or sticky foods can cause pain that does not subside.
Redness or pain in the gums adjacent to the tooth in question. The tooth may turn brown or develop some other discoloration.
A small sore on the gum, like a pimple, may appear as a result of an abscess.
Failure to seek medical attention may result in increasing pain, infection, and in some cases, tooth loss. It is best to treat the tooth as early as possible to prevent further complications in the tooth.
Causes of Tooth Infection
The following are the causes of tooth infection that may require a root canal:
Deep Decay
Caries that have progressed to the pulp of the tooth are likely to cause inflammation and infection.Cracks or Fractures
Infection can occur in the pulp when the tooth is cracked or broken.Repeated Dental Procedures
This may lead to infection, as the same tooth may have been worked on or harmed several times.Injury or Trauma
This can cause pulp damage even if the tooth has not been broken or fractured.
Why Choose Lookout Valley Dental for Root Canal Treatment?
Dr. Tyler Lunsford’s Expertise: Dr. Lunsford is experienced in restorative dentistry, including root canals. He takes his time to deliver quality and painless treatment to the patient.
Advanced Technology for Accurate Diagnosis: With the help of digital X-rays and advanced dental technology, it is possible to see the infection clearly in order to perform the treatment accurately.
Comfort-Focused Care: Our team prioritizes patient comfort with gentle techniques.
Long-Term Support and Preventive Care: We offer long term preventive care for the teeth and gums after a root canal to ensure that the teeth remain healthy.
Flexible Payment Options
We offer affordable financing options so you can get the care you need.
Some Misconceptions About Root Canals
“Root Canals Are Painful”
Root canals are as painless as a filling today due to anesthesia and new methods. It actually helps to reduce the pain that comes with infection.
“It’s Better to Pull the Tooth”
It is crucial to keep the natural tooth to prevent misalignment and bone loss. Removal may bring about problems that may require further procedures.
“Root Canals Take Many Visits”
Root canals are usually done in one session, with the second session being for the crown placement if necessary.
The Root Canal Procedure
It is no surprise that many people are anxious about root canals, but knowing what is involved can help.
Step 1: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Dr. Lunsford performs an examination and takes digital X-rays to determine the severity of the infection. If a root canal is required, he explains the process and answers any questions that he can.Step 2: Numbing and Preparation
Local anesthesia is used to make sure that the patient is pain-free. A dam is placed around the tooth to prevent the mouth fluids from coming into contact with the tooth and to protect the tooth from bacteria.Step 3: Removing the Infected Pulp
The infected pulp is carefully removed. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped to prepare for filling.Step 4: Sealing the Tooth
The cleaned canal is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which prevents reinfection. The opening is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.Step 5: Restoring the Tooth
A dental crown is placed on the treated tooth to enhance the strength of the tooth and to improve its functioning. This protects the tooth from further damage and allows the patient to chew and chew without the tooth.
Schedule an Appointment
Tooth pain should not be left unattended. Root canal therapy at Lookout Valley Dental can help alleviate pain and improve the function of your natural tooth.
Call us today at (423) 821-3279 or fill out the contact form below.