A tooth that is sensitive to sweets, temperature changes, and pressure, and swelling of the gums or face, are among the signs that you need to visit the dentist sooner rather than later. These changes can be symptoms of deep inflammation or infection inside the affected tooth. As you search for a dental office near me in Crofton, Maryland, know that Dr. Vickii Bingham-Lester and our team at Bingham-Lester Dentistry have the advanced expertise and tools to successfully treat severely damaged teeth.
Can a “root canal” save my tooth?
Possibly! Root canal treatment involves accessing the damaged tissues to remove the source of inflammation or infection. It gets rid of the underlying cause of your painful symptoms, while preserving the structural integrity of the tooth.Â
It may be an appealing alternative to extracting or removing the tooth. No artificial tooth is superior to a natural, healthy one. Plus, root canal treatment is more affordable and requires less time than procedures designed to replace an extracted tooth.Â
Dr. Bingham-Lester recommends root canal therapy as long as it adequately restores the appearance, function, health, and strength of the damaged tooth. She won’t know for sure if root canal treatment is appropriate for you until after the tooth is examined.Â
What conditions have you successfully treated with a root canal?
Dr. Bingham-Lester has helped patients with the following conditions keep their teeth and avoid extractions:Â
- Tooth decay that progresses to the point where it affects the innermost pulp tissue.
- Cracks or fractures that extend deep into the tooth.
- Severe abscesses (infections), often characterized by pimple-like swelling of the gums.
- Repeated treatments to the same tooth that leave the weakened tooth vulnerable to further damage.
- Injuries or trauma that physically weaken the structure of the tooth.Â
In general, treatment is recommended when the pulp that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue becomes irritated or infected. This is typically due to severe tooth decay and trauma.Â
What steps are involved with treatment?
First, Dr. Bingham-Lester evaluates your symptoms and the tooth. Special technologies are also used to get a detailed look at the inside of the tooth. This information is used to accurately diagnose the nature and extent of damage to your tooth. In some cases, root canal treatment may not be necessary. And, when root canal therapy is inadequate, Dr. Bingham-Lester might discuss options to replace the tooth (like bridges and implants).Â
If a root canal can preserve your tooth, we use anesthetic to numb the area. Our dentist also uses an advanced system (Isolite) to properly isolate the tooth, which allows us to do more in less time and supports comfortable treatment. Sophisticated diagnostic technology also guides treatment, because it allows Dr. Bingham-Lester to see the nerve, shape, and number of root canals. This information is used to effectively, precisely, and efficiently remove damaged tissue, and to sterilize and reshape affected canals. It reduces the risk of damaged areas being missed during treatment.Â
Will my tooth need a crown after treatment?
Typically, the treated tooth is restored with a dental crown. While a filling seals off the tooth and prevents reinfection, the tooth may be weakened and prone to breakage or other damage. If Dr. Bingham-Lester recommends a crown, it is important to get this restoration placed promptly. Any delays in getting a crown can lead to complications that jeopardize the tooth.Â
Pain and other changes in your mouth are your body’s way of saying that something is wrong and warrants attention. Bingham-Lester Dentistry encourages patients from Crofton, Gambrills, Annapolis, Odenton, Davidsonville, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., to avoid postponing essential dental treatment. Call (410) 885-6522 to schedule your appointment at our Gambrills, MD office today.Â
