For decades, dentists have treated certain infections with root canal therapy. Though a very common restorative treatment performed in dental offices around the world, root canal treatment is still greatly misunderstood. Stories are told that portray this type of treatment as uncomfortable and stressful. We hope to educate our patients on the reality of this dental treatment so that they do not put off seeing the dentist should they experience a toothache.

We perform root canal therapy in our office near Marietta with great attention to detail. Our office is equipped with innovative tools designed specifically for the modern root canal. These instruments have tiny tips that easily fit into the tooth to remove damaged tissue effectively and quickly. Before beginning treatment, we apply local anesthetic to the treatment area to ensure a pain-free process. We also monitor our patients’ comfort level throughout treatment to make sure the procedure is stress-free.

We encourage our patients to keep regular six-month check-ups, as this allows us to stay abreast of new developments in oral health. When regular visits do not take place, the earliest sign of a problem may be a toothache. By the time the root has become affected by infection, bacteria have moved through several parts of the tooth.

• The part of the tooth that is seen is the enamel. This substance is the hardest in the body, covering teeth to protect the softer tissues inside from germs and acid.
• Dentin is a porous substance that lies just past the outer layer of enamel. Most of tooth structure is made up of this material.
• Beyond dentin is the pulp chamber, a small area in which the nerves, connective tissues, pulp, and blood vessels are located. These tissues deliver nutrients to the tooth.
• At the core of the tooth is the root canal, which runs from the center of the tooth down into the jawbone, where the root tethers the tooth to its foundation in the jaw. Nutrients travel to the tooth through the root.

Our teeth are designed to resist the damaging effects of oral bacteria. The softer inner tissues of teeth are well protected inside several layers of natural material. The better teeth are cared for, the less risk there is of damage in the inner area. Dental problems like cavities, treated early, pose no threat to the root. Leaving cavities untreated, however, will allow bacteria to continue to move through the tooth until, finally, the pulp chamber is reached and infection begins.

When dental treatment is needed to repair a tooth that has become damaged, our goal is to get our patients out of pain and back to their healthiest smile. If you experience a toothache, contact our office right away for prompt treatment.