In the past, root canal therapy required multiple visits to the dentist and a painful, lengthy process. Thanks to advanced technology and dental tools, Knoxville, TN dentist Dr. Jack Haney can perform an entire root canal therapy in a single dental visit.
Our office uses digital x-rays to provide patients with quicker results. We also incorporate aromatherapy to relax patients during their procedure and provide headphones so that personal music can comfort and soothe a patient during their treatment.
If you’re interested in learning more about root canal therapy, call 865-693-6886 today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Haney in Knoxville, TN.
Tooth Anatomy: The Basics
Before you can understand what root canal therapy is used for, it’s important to understand the basic anatomy of a tooth. The crown of the tooth (white, visible portion) has a tough, protective layer: tooth enamel. This layer shields the tooth from harmful bacteria.
Below the enamel is dentin, a soft tissue, which covers the pulp chamber, the inner workings of the tooth that houses the pulp. During root canal therapy, Dr. Haney removes the infected pulp to restore the health of the tooth. Below the pulp is the root canal, which is made up of blood vessels and nerves. Once the pulp chamber has been infected, the roots are irreversibly compromised.
Why Would I Need a Root Canal?
When bacteria enter the delicate tooth root, you will experience high levels of discomfort.
Failure to seek out professional treatment can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and gum recession. The jawbone supports facial structure; therefore if you were to lose bone mass, you could experience facial collapse.
The only way to save a natural tooth from extraction is to receive root canal therapy from Knoxville dentist Dr. Haney.
Signs That It’s Time for Root Canal Therapy
Often an excruciating toothache indicates to patients that it’s time to receive root canal therapy with Dr. Haney. A common symptom is temperature sensitivity. If you experience discomfort when enjoying hot or cold foods or beverages, you may need to schedule an appointment with Dr. Haney to discuss endodontic treatment.
Other signs include:
- Swollen or tender gums
- Pain when the tooth is touched or used (such as during mealtimes)
- Tooth discoloration
Endodontic Procedure
Dr. Haney will begin your procedure by administering oral sedation to numb the affected area, as well as nitrous oxide (laughing gas). If you’re feeling anxious about your treatment, we can incorporate aromatherapy to calm your nerves. We can also provide a pair of headphones so that you can listen to your favorite tunes during the procedure.
To begin, a small hole is created in the top of the tooth. Dr. Haney will use special dental equipment to remove the infected pulp from its chamber. Next, he will completely remove the infection, decay, and bacteria from the internal portion of the tooth. He may use a disinfectant during this step to ensure the tooth is adequately sanitized. The hole and inner tooth are then filled with a rubbery substance (gutta percha) and then capped with a custom-made dental crown.
Crowns are created from porcelain to ensure seamless blending with surrounding teeth. Your crown will protect and strengthen the tooth root from further damage and infection. You can expect the crown to appear and function much like a natural tooth.
The best way to determine if you need root canal therapy is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Haney today. Call 865-693-6886 today to speak with a friendly staff member at our Knoxville, TN office. We look forward to hearing from you.
