Root canal treatment is different than decades ago. Technology advances have allowed dentists to act with more precision, speed and ease than ever before. The procedure has advanced so much that the American Association of Endodontistists decided to rename it endodontic therapy. It's still the same root canal procedure, but the process has advanced enough to warrant the name change. There is no need to lose a good tooth with the dental care that is now available.

          Root canal treatment is needed when the protective layer around a tooth is destroyed by a tooth cavity or an accident. A dental infection can enter into the pulp and kill it. A root canal removes the infected pulp and replaces it with a rubber-like material called gutta percha. The rest of the root canal tooth is nourished by the surrounding tissue and can survive without a living pulp. Once the canals are thoroughly cleaned and filled, the dentist creates a crown for the tooth which allows the patient to eat normally. In most cases, patients enjoy a lifetime of function and health.

          While root canal treatment has had a bad name for being an undesirable procedure, the pain a patient feels before the treatment can be quite intense and root canals have become very comfortable procedures, especially with the developement of many effective dental anaesthetics. The only other option to a root canal is tooth extraction, meaning the space will then need to be filled by either a partial denture, dental bridge or dental implant. If nothing is done to the dead tooth, the root canal pain will increase and it will cause greater complications when something is finally done. If you are having dental pain, it's a good idea to have dental treatment done as soon as possible.

          If you are considering root canal treatment and would like to discuss your options, visit the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Dr. Padolsky and Dr. Smith are both experienced and our office uses state of the art equipment and materials for this procedure, such as digital x-rays. Remember, the longer it's put off, the worse the result can be. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are welcome to join our family of patients. They offer comprehensive dental care including root canal therapy, root canal surgery and root canal retreatment. Call 404-874-7428 to make an appointment with our root canal dentist.