Root Canal Surgery
Although root canals can seem scary and intimidating, they are a routine dental procedure that is important to your oral health. A broken tooth or other damage that exposes the tooth’s root can make a root canal necessary, because bacteria can build up and cause infection. Our goal here at Gentle Dental is to make sure that a root canal is never necessary with regular check-ups, but if a tooth deteriorates to the point where one is necessary, we will make the procedure as painless as possible.
Our Services
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to repair a tooth that is seriously decayed to the point where it has become, or is at risk to become infected. At Gentle Dental, we use the latest technologies to make the procedure as smooth and painless as possible. First we remove the “pulp tissue” within the tooth, made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. By removing this pulp tissue, we are able to clear away any bacteria that is causing an infection in the tooth. The tooth will then be sealed up using a form of filling, and a crown will be secured to the top of the tooth. This crown will last for many years and provide protection against further infection. Root canals are the best way to relieve the pain caused by a damaged and infected tooth, and will greatly improve a person’s oral health.
Are Root Canals Painful?
While the description of a root canal procedure can seem painful, our dentists at Gentle Dental perform them regularly and can assure you that with our proper anesthesia administration, a root canal will not be any more painful than getting a cavity filling. Following the procedure, patients may feel soreness and discomfort for a few days but it should be nothing in comparison to the pain of an infected tooth.
Oral Cancer Screening
Sealants
How To Prevent Root Canals
The best way to prevent having to get a root canal procedure is by keeping up excellent at-home oral health. You can do this by being sure to brush your teeth twice per day and floss once daily. You should also make sure that you’re seeing your dentist every six months, so any cavities or decay can be fixed before they get to the point where a root canal procedure is necessary.
Do You Have More Questions About Root Canals?
If you have anymore questions about root canal procedures, please contact us at Gentle Dental by giving us a call on one of our offices: South Portland – (207) 408-0479, Biddeford – (207) 865-8998, or Topsham – (207) 729-3515. Our team of family dentists would be happy to answer any questions you may have! If you are a new patient with us, please fill our new patient form which can be found here.
Real Clients, Real Stories
From the moment I called to become a new patient, to the check in, the cleaning, and the doctor’s examination and procedure, and the payment/checkout process… I was blown away by the kindness and thoroughness of all these wonderful women. They all took time to answer my questions, asked me what was best for me, and genuinely cared about my health and finances. I have never written a review for a medical office ever but these women from beginning to end were so positive and helpful and kind. I am never going to another dentist’s office.