About Endodontic Treatments in Austell
When you look around and are surrounded by beautiful smiles, it can be easy to feel alone in dealing with dental hygiene issues. However, tooth damage and decay are much more common problems than you might think. In fact, studies show that 26% of adults ages 20-64 have untreated tooth decay. By being proactive about your tooth damage, you are already one step ahead of the game.
If you notice tooth damage or decay, you might be wondering what your treatment options are. Many patients would rather opt for the simpler treatment of a tooth filling instead of a root canal, otherwise known as endodontic therapy. Whether or not this is possible depends on the severity of the decay and if the infection has reached the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is the part of the tooth that consists of living blood vessels, connective tissue and large nerves. Its job is to supply nutrients to your teeth as well as protect them, so it’s important to keep it intact.
If the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth, a root canal will be necessary. Our dental experts at Austell Dental Associates will walk you through your best treatment option, but there are some signs and symptoms that can help give you a clue as to what to expect before you arrive. Some of the symptoms of minor and major tooth decay are similar, such as persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and tooth discoloration, but others clearly signal that a root canal will be necessary.
The following signs are indicators that you will require a root canal:
• Swollen and sensitive gum area
• Drainage causing an abscess in gum area
• Chipped or cracked tooth
• Deep decay
• Tooth mobility, i.e. “loose” feeling of tooth
These symptoms sound intimidating, and you are probably feeling some apprehension if you are experiencing them. We know how important your smile is to you and we are committed to getting your oral health back on track. When we perform a root canal treatment, our primary goal is to treat the infected area by painlessly removing the pulp, while still maintaining the structure of your natural tooth. This procedure is quite common for our patients, so if you think you require one, it is best to contact us as soon as possible, as the tooth may need to be pulled if left untreated. Luckily, you are in good hands, as our dentists have gone through extensive education to treat even the most severe cases.
About Fillings in Austell
Sometimes, a root canal might not be necessary and a patient will only require a filling. Fillings will be recommended if the tooth has a smaller cavity or minor tooth decay that hasn’t reached the pulp of the tooth. While the goal of a root canal is to prevent further damage to the tissue, a filling is primarily meant to restore the function and appearance of the tooth.
Our dentists at Austell will work directly with you to identify the root cause of the decay to reduce pain and prevent further damage to the tooth. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, the telltale signs that a filling is in order are tooth damage and broken lines in the enamel. If a filling is needed, we offer a variety of options to best suit your smile. Our team will work diligently to restore your tooth to its most functional and beautiful state.
The Bottom Line
The only way to know for sure whether your tooth issue will require a filling, a root canal or even another one of our treatment options is to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained dentists. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get your teeth feeling pain-free and picture-ready.
Call us at (770) 467-3888 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at Austell Dental Associates today!
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