Root Canals
Root Canals Save Teeth in Sioux City
“Root canal” is one of the most cringe-causing phrases in our language – but it shouldn’t be! A properly performed root canal procedure alleviates the pain of a damaged or infected tooth, allowing it to be saved, rather than extracted. Dr. Dona Prince is known in the Sioux City area for getting her patients out of pain.
What Happens to a Healthy Tooth?
When a tooth is cracked, or decay goes untreated, harmful oral bacteria make their way to the central pulp chamber. This hollow is filled with blood supply, tissue, and nerves. Pathogens cause infection that inflames the nerve and builds pressure within the tooth. You may experience an intermittent toothache, discomfort when you bite down, discoloration of the tooth, tenderness around it, or wake up with a swollen face and acute pain.
The Procedure
Job #1 is to get you out of discomfort fast. Dr. Prince may prescribe antibiotics or pain alleviating medications. Then your mouth is thoroughly numbed, bringing immediate relief. While root canal therapy is detailed and meticulous, from the patient’s perspective, it feels about like getting a filling. The appointment just takes a bit longer.
- Dr. Prince opens the tooth, and removes damaged or diseased structure.
- Pulp and nerves are removed from the canals. Don’t worry – you will still be able to sense temperature and bite pressure from the nerves in other teeth.
- The interior of the tooth is sanitized and filled.
- The chamber is sealed.
- Then the tooth is protected from further damage with a lovely porcelain crown. Since Dr. Prince provides 1-appointment crowns, treatment can be concluded in a single visit.
- The natural tooth root remains fused with bone, helping to maintain healthy oral structures.
Get Root Canal Treatment Today
Root canals gets an undeserved bad rap. Treatment breaks the cycle of infection, which could otherwise spread to adjacent teeth and bone, abscessing, and potentially causing a grave systemic reaction. Since the treated tooth has no nerves, it can no longer cause pain. It looks natural and allows you to chew and speak normally.
There is no need to put off root canals for fear of pain. For all your dental emergencies, don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment. Reach out to our office by calling 712-274-2228 at your earliest convenience!