Endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp and nerves in a compromised tooth to prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissues. Root canal therapy is an effective way to resolve infection and pain and save the tooth from extraction.

At T. Kirk Crane, DDS, one of the most common reasons we recommend root canal therapy is deep decay that has reached the inner chamber of a tooth and caused an infection or abscessed tooth. Sometimes trauma to the mouth can cause cracks and chips that affect the nerve tissue inside a tooth. This may eventually cause pain and also require a root canal procedure.

When Is Endodontic Treatment Necessary?

Sometimes, tooth decay or an injury can lead to an infection in the tissues surrounding a tooth. This infection can spread through the root canal system, causing an abscessed tooth. When this happens, you may experience symptoms such as fever and swelling of the face and neck. Our dentist can diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options. 

If an abscess forms near the root of your tooth, our dentist may recommend performing a root canal to remove the infected tissue and prevent the spread of the infection. Abscesses can be extremely painful and cause serious health problems if left untreated. You must seek emergency dental treatment if you experience signs of an abscessed tooth immediately. If you continue to delay your treatment, your symptoms may worsen and threaten your health.

Root canal treatment is performed to save an infected tooth and return it to a functional state. Endodontic therapy is usually followed by restoring damaged teeth with crowns, fillings, or other restorations. 

The Procedure for Endodontic Treatment

During endodontic treatment, our dentist will numb the area around the tooth. Then, the dentist will make a small hole in the tooth's biting surface. Through this opening, the dentist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleaning and shaping the canal's inside channels. The dentist will then fill the canals and place a temporary filling. Finally, the dentist will place a permanent filling or crown over the tooth to help make it stronger. 

The most common symptom of a root canal infection is tooth pain. If you are experiencing pain, visit T. Kirk Crane, DDS, at 104 Exchange Pl, Suite A Lafayette, LA 70503, or call (337) 232-3873 to schedule an appointment with our endodontist for an examination and evaluation. The sooner we diagnose and treat the problem, the better chance we have of saving your tooth!