Root Canal Therapy Can Eliminate Infection and Save a Damaged Tooth

When a tooth becomes infected, root canal therapy is the only way to avoid the need for extraction. During this procedure, Dr. Gregory S. Strain removes the soft tissue from within the tooth to preserve the healthy exterior. Using our E4D CAD/CAM technology, Dr. Strain can create a custom crown to restore your tooth at our Metairie, LA, practice. 

Root canal treatment can remove infected tissue and alleviate painful symptoms.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

As dental professionals, saving dental tissue is our priority. Root canal treatment allows us to resolve a dental infection without extracting the affected tooth. This procedure also offers:

• Optimal comfort: Contrary to common belief, most patients have little to no discomfort during or after root canal therapy thanks to local anesthesia and modern techniques.
• Efficiency: Root canal therapy can be completed in a single appointment.
• Aesthetic results: Modern dental materials are incredibly lifelike, and even reflect light the same way that natural enamel does. Once your root canal therapy is complete, we can create and place a custom restoration that looks so natural, no one will be able to tell you underwent dental work.

The primary objective of root canal therapy is to eliminate infection that has affected the innermost tissue of a tooth.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

A root canal procedure may be recommended if you have:

• Severe dental decay
• A large chip, crack, or fracture that has exposed the soft tissue within the tooth
• A previously treated tooth that has become re-infected

Without timely treatment, you may lose the tooth, and surrounding tissues may also become infected. If you are experiencing a sudden toothache or other symptoms of a dental infection, reach out to us as soon as you can.

The Procedure

During root canal therapy, Dr. Strain removes the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues from inside the affected tooth. Next, he thoroughly cleans and disinfects the inner surfaces and fills the root canals (center areas of the tooth roots) and pulp chamber with a malleable dental material called gutta percha. Finally, the tooth is sealed with a dental filling. In most cases, the tooth is also restored with a dental crown to protect and reinforce the weakened tooth.

Following your root canal, you can keep your smile healthy by brushing twice and flossing at least once daily. Regular checkups can also allow us to detect any oral health issues in their very earliest stages, when they are easiest to treat.

To properly maintain your restored smile, it is important to practice good oral hygiene at home. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing at least once daily. Dr. Strain may also recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash to help keep harmful microbes at bay. You should also see us every six months so that we can thoroughly assess the health of your smile and detect any issues in their earliest stages, before they require extensive treatment.

Contact Our Practice for More Information

Gregory S. Strain, DDS, has proudly served our community since 1999. We accept most insurance plans, and a root canal is typically covered. To help uninsured patients afford treatment, we accept CareCredit® financing. If you are experiencing a toothache, sudden sensitivity to heat or cold, or swelling, it could indicate an infection. Call one of our three office locations in greater New Orleans right away if you are experiencing these or other symptoms of an oral health issue.