Root Canal Therapy in Pooler, GA

Root canal therapy is a treatment designed to save a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed. The procedure involves removing the damaged or infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), cleaning the area, and then sealing it to prevent further damage.

You might need root canal therapy if you have:

• Severe tooth pain when chewing or touching the tooth
• Sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed
• Swollen gums, often with an abscess (pus) or infection
• A prior root canal that has developed a new infection due to various reasons

By removing the infection, we can save your tooth and prevent it from needing extraction. Root canal therapy is highly successful in preserving your natural teeth for years to come.

If you experience any of these common signs, you may need a root canal:

• Tooth pain that doesn’t go away, especially when chewing or touching the tooth
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swollen or tender gums around the affected tooth
• Darkened tooth color due to infection
• Abscess (a pimple-like bump on your gums) caused by an infection at the root

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with an endodontic specialist like Dr. Wheeler to determine the next steps.

Why Choose Root Canal Therapy?

The primary benefit of root canal therapy is to save your natural tooth, which is always the best option when possible. Here are additional benefits:

• Pain relief: Root canal therapy relieves severe tooth pain caused by infection.
• Restores function: You’ll be able to eat and chew comfortably once the tooth is restored.
• Prevents extraction: By saving your natural tooth, you maintain the structure and function of your mouth.
• Minimal downtime: Thanks to modern techniques like the GentleWave® Procedure, recovery time is reduced, and discomfort is minimal compared to traditional methods.

You may have seen conflicting opinions about the safety of root canal treatments, but be confident the procedure is safe. Each year, approximately 25 million new endodontic procedures, including root canals, are performed safely and effectively. The success of root canal treatments is well-supported by solid scientific evidence, with decades of research showing consistently high success rates. Numerous studies and peer-reviewed research over the past 100 years confirm the safety and efficacy of these procedures.

The root canal procedure involves several key steps to ensure your tooth is properly treated:

1. Anesthesia: We begin by numbing the area around the affected tooth to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
2. Removal of infected pulp: We carefully remove the damaged pulp and any bacteria or infection inside the tooth.
3. Cleaning the canal: The hollow canal is cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove all traces of infection.
4. Sealing the tooth: After cleaning, we fill the tooth with a biocompatible material and seal it to prevent future infection.
5. Restoration: In most cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore its strength and protect it from further damage. Your general dentist will complete your restoration.

While root canal therapy is an effective treatment, it’s always better to prevent the need for it in the first place. Here are some tips to maintain healthy teeth:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Routine checkups can help detect issues early and prevent deep decay.
• Avoid excessive sugar: Reducing sugary foods and drinks can minimize your risk of tooth decay.
• Wear mouthguards: If you grind your teeth, a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from damage.

Taking these steps will help keep your teeth healthy and reduce the risk of needing a root canal procedure.

Choosing the right endodontist is key to a successful outcome. Here are some things to consider:

• Experience: Dr. Ben Wheeler has advanced training and years of experience performing root canal procedures with exceptional results.
• Patient-focused care: Dr. Wheeler’s compassionate approach ensures you feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way.
• Advanced technology: We utilize the latest CBCT imaging, the GentleWave® Procedure, and Bioactive Bioceramics to provide minimally invasive treatments with better outcomes.

As the only GentleWave® provider in Southeast Georgia, we offer a non-invasive approach to endodontic surgery that reduces the risk of reinfection and promotes faster healing. With this advanced system, we provide better cleaning of the root canal system, giving you the highest chance for long-term success.