Root Canals
When a tooth gets cracked or complications arise from previous dental implants or fillings, a root canal may be necessary. When a root canal is recommended, it’s because bacteria have managed to get to the nerve endings through your damaged tooth, which leads to extreme sensitivity, especially to hot or cold sensations.
While a root canal is serious, it’s also common. At Julian Murphey, DMD, your dentist has advanced training in surgery and anesthesiology, so you’re in gentle, knowledgeable hands.
Understanding Your Root Canal
Root canals get a bad reputation in popular culture, but the process is actually pretty straightforward. After removing the pulp from inside the damaged tooth, the area is cleaned and disinfected, then a filler material is used to seal the canals. Finally, a filling or crown is placed to protect the tooth.
IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation is a medication given through a vein to offer fast treatment. During IV sedation, you’re in a “semi-awake” state of relaxation, so local anesthesia will also be used to prevent pain. IV Sedation dentistry is useful for patients with above-average anxiety about their procedure or who are undergoing a severe procedure.
Crowns and Implants
Crowns, also called caps, are designed to completely cover a cracked or damaged tooth while looking natural, returning normal functionality to your tooth. Implants and bridges are designed to restore the appearance of missing or severely damaged teeth. Implants place a false tooth on a surgically placed titanium implant. Bridges use two healthy teeth to hold one or more artificial teeth between them.
Extractions
Everyone has heard of having their wisdom teeth removed. This is the most common example of a dental extraction—a process in which a diseased, malformed, or unnecessary tooth is removed. Dental extractions can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Call us today to learn more about dental surgery options.