Root Canal Therapy | Rochester Hills & Shelby Township
Treat the Tooth, Save the Smile
Tooth ache or sensitivity can have a serious impact on your daily life — but at Barclay Dental, a root canal is nothing to fear.
Dr. Meri, Dr. Salem, and our team have the knowledge and expertise to comfortably and painlessly remove the infection causing you pain — and save your tooth in the process.
What's a Root Canal?
A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure designed to save a severely decayed or infected tooth.
The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp inside your tooth, cleaning the root canals, and sealing them to prevent further infection or complications.
At Barclay Dental, we’re experts at using root canal therapy to preserve your natural tooth, alleviate pain, and restore your oral health.
How a Root Canal Works
It’s important to us that you’re as comfortable as possible during this procedure, too. You’ll have a variety of anesthetic options to ensure your therapy is quick, easy, and pain-free.
During endodontic therapy — or root canal therapy — the pulp tissue from inside the tooth is removed. This mainly consists of nerve tissue and blood vessels.
Endodontic therapy is applied when the pulp tissue is irreversibly damaged by bacteria, which means you may lose the tooth if it is not root canal treated. Pulp tissue can be damaged by decay, tooth fracture, very deep cavities, and periodontal disease.
Once the pulp tissue is removed from the canals of the tooth, they are sealed with a bio-compatible material known as gutta-percha. This ensures that the canals of the teeth are sealed from any possible further infection or bacteria.
Current improved technology allows us to complete the treatment much faster and more comfortably than what was previously possible.
How to Tell If You Need Root Canal Therapy
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with Barclay Dental for a thorough examination:
- Persistent Toothache: A severe and persistent toothache, especially when it is accompanied by sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, can indicate an infected or damaged pulp.
- Sensitivity to Pressure: If you feel pain or discomfort when biting down or applying pressure to a specific tooth, it may be a sign that the pulp is infected or inflamed.
- Gum Swelling and Tenderness: Infection or inflammation in the pulp can lead to gum swelling and tenderness around the affected tooth. You may notice redness, swelling, or the formation of a small pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth.
- Discoloration or Darkening of the Tooth: A tooth that has undergone significant damage or decay may appear darker or discolored compared to the surrounding teeth.
- Persistent Bad Breath or Taste: An infected tooth can cause persistent bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth, even after practicing good oral hygiene.
If you experience any of these symptoms, don't delay seeking professional dental care. Our experienced dentists, Dr. Meri and Dr. Salem, will conduct a comprehensive examination and determine if root canal therapy is the appropriate treatment for you.
Advantages of Getting a
Root Canal
At Barclay Dental, your root canal therapy can positively impact your oral health and overall well-being by offering you the following benefits:
Relieving Pain
One of the primary benefits of root canal therapy is reducing or eliminating your tooth pain and sensitivity. Removing the infected or damaged pulp can eliminate your discomfort and allow you to enjoy a pain-free smile once again.
Preserving Your Tooth
Unlike a tooth extraction, a root canal allows you to preserve your natural tooth — which is essential for maintaining proper oral function, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting, and preserving the natural appearance of your smile.
Restoring Your Dental Health
Root canal therapy eliminates infection and prevents it from spreading further. By treating the underlying problem, you can prevent the need for more extensive and costly dental treatments in the future.
Enhancing Your Smile
Root canal therapy not only restores your oral health but also enhances the appearance of your smile. Dr. Meri or Dr. Salem may also place a dental crown over the treated tooth so that it blends in naturally and seamless with your surrounding teeth, giving you the confidence again to show off your smile.
Improving Your Oral Function
With a treated tooth, you can bite and chew comfortably without pain or sensitivity. Root canal therapy restores the strength and functionality of the affected tooth, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and speak with confidence.
Talk to Us About Root Canal Therapy
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or suspect that you may require a root canal, we urge you to schedule an appointment at our Rochester Hills or Shelby Township office.
During your evaluation, Dr. Meri or Dr. Salem will assess your tooth’s condition, explain the root canal process in detail, and address any concerns you may have.
At Barclay Dental, your oral health is our top priority, and we’re dedicated to helping you get the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.