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Root Canal Treatment in Westwood, MA
Endodontic therapy, otherwise called root canal treatment, is a dental procedure that dentists use to restore teeth that are severely decayed, which cannot be saved by conventional dental fillings. In such a case, the dentist will forego an extraction in favor of removing the infected pulp tissue from the root canals of a tooth.
Root canal treatments utilize anesthesia for the comfort of the patient. The procedure is usually over in a matter of two appointments.
Root canal treatments are typically required for the back teeth but can also be performed on the anterior teeth.
Call Westwood Dental Group today if you’d like to save a tooth or several of your teeth, which are battling cavities.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
Our dentist in Westwood, MA will begin your appointment by taking x-rays of your tooth to determine the extent of the infection. The x-rays are also useful in letting the dentist learn the shape or curvature of your root canals.
Afterward, our dentist numbs the affected area using local anesthesia. If you’re particularly nervous about this procedure, the dentist may recommend sedation to help you relax. We also offer general anesthesia for severe cases of dental anxiety.
Next, our dentist will gently drill through your tooth to make holes to allow for the removal of infected tissue and bacteria. In the case of an infection, the dentist will disinfect your root canals to prevent a recurrence.
The final step during the first appointment is the placement of a temporary filling to keep out infection in the interim period. During your second appointment, our dentist in Westwood, MA will fill your tooth with a permanent filling and place a dental crown if a significant portion of your tooth was decayed.
Root Canal Treatment After-Care Tips
Proper care of your tooth after root canal therapy is essential in preventing re-infection. After your final appointment, our dentist will schedule you for follow-up sessions to ensure that you’re healing properly.
Avoid chewing or applying pressure on your treated tooth before complete healing. Brush and floss as required to protect your other teeth, and prevent contamination of your treated tooth.
Avoid beverages and foods that are too hot or too cold, as these could damage your teeth. Lastly, remember that scheduling preventive dentistry appointments with our dentist at Westwood Dental Group will reduce your chances of needing root canal treatments in the future.