A root canal is a dental procedure which removes infected tissue and helps you avoid a tooth extraction or more serious infection. Understanding how a root canal works and when you may need one can help you determine if this is the best treatment for you. Find out more about root canal therapy with Dr. Jeanette Murphy at her practice in Monroe, MI.

What is a root canal? 
A root canal is a dental procedure that allows your dentist to clean the decay from a tooth, remove its infected soft tissues, and seal it back in with a material such as a resin to restore its natural structure. A root canal allows you to avoid a full tooth extraction and ensures that you do not experience bone atrophy or other issues which result from a missing tooth.

Do I need a root canal? 
In cases of less advanced cavities, a simple dental filling can repair the tooth. However, a root canal repairs a tooth which has decay or damage so advanced it has begun affecting the nerves or has infected the soft tissues. If you have one or more of the following symptoms, you may require a root canal:

• a toothache
• sensitivity to hot or cold, especially sensitivity that is lasting
• unexplained bad breath
• unexplained bad taste in the mouth
• discoloration of the tooth itself
• swelling or abscess on the gums around the tooth

What can I expect during a root canal? 
First, your dentist will numb the area of the root canal. Then, they will create a small access hole on top of the tooth to reach its inner pulp chamber and nerves. After removing the decayed portions of the tooth’s enamel and inner tissues, your dentist will scrub the inside of the tooth to ensure that no infection remains in the tooth. Then, they will fill the tooth using composite resin materials and in many cases, place a dental crown over the tooth to protect it from damage in the future.

Root Canal Therapy in Monroe, MI
Caring for your smile is a crucial part of your overall health. Do not put off investigating your tooth pain. For more information on root canal therapy, please contact Dr. Jeanette Murphy in Monroe, MI. Call (734) 242-4744 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Murphy today!