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Root Canals
Restore Damaged Teeth
If you have a damaged or decayed tooth in Ellicott City, you may need a root canal from Dr. Hyun Dong Kim to preserve your tooth and prevent further complications. Early intervention with a root canal will ensure you can keep your tooth, get relief from pain and discomfort, and get peace of mind. Learn more below, or contact us now to schedule your appointment.
The Basics Of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment that’s used to restore teeth that have become infected. Tooth infections usually happen due to a deep cavity that eats away at the enamel and dentin of your tooth, or due to oral injuries that crack and damage the structure of the tooth.
When this happens, the “pulp” inside the tooth is exposed to oral bacteria, and becomes infected. This pulp is full of nerves and blood vessels that keep your teeth alive. When it becomes infected, it will slowly start to decay, which can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
Root canal therapy is used to prevent your tooth from decaying and dying, and to restore and protect it from further damage. Dr. Hyun Dong Kim will create an opening in the tooth, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, then fill the interior and restore it with a dental filling or crown. With timely intervention, a root canal is the best way to save and preserve an infected tooth.
Signs You May Need A Root Canal
Wondering if you may need root canal therapy? The most common sign of an infected tooth is a toothache that lasts 1-2 days or longer, and causes you significant pain and discomfort.
This may also be accompanied by sensitivity to hot and cold foods, or to the pressure of chewing. In some cases, the gum tissue near your affected tooth may also be discolored or inflamed due to the presence of an infection.
In rare cases, infected teeth can even cause symptoms like facial swelling or a high fever. If you recognize one or more of these signs and symptoms, you should get help from the team at Pinnacle Family Dental right away.
The Root Canal Process
The root canal process is actually quite simple, and usually takes just a single 1-2 hour appointment at Pinnacle Family Dental. If Dr. Hyun Dong Kim determines that a root canal is right for you, he will begin by cleaning and numbing your mouth.
Then, the tooth will be trimmed to remove any remaining damaged enamel, and Dr. Kim will create a small hole in the tooth. Through this opening, he will use dental tools to
After the inside of your tooth has been cleaned, Dr. Kim will clean and disinfect it, and then fill it with a rubber-like material to strengthen the tooth’s interior. Finally, he will conclude the procedure by placing a filling or a crown to restore the shape and function of your tooth.