Root Canals
Root canals are used to save teeth after the dental pulp has been infected.
If you have a severe toothache, we recommend you call our Grand Rapids emergency dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to discuss your questions about root canals.
Restorative Dentistry
A patient may need root canal therapy for deep cavities, broken teeth, or for teeth that have received multiple dental procedures.
If treatment isn’t sought, an abscess could form underneath the tooth and make it loose. Signs you may need an emergency root canal:
- Severe toothache
- Darkening of tooth
- Gum swelling and tenderness
- Pimple or abscess of the gum
- Tooth sensitivity (long after hotness or coldness has been removed)
The root canal treatment involves drilling a hole through the top of your tooth in order to access the infected dental pulp underneath. The dental pulp and any other infected material is then removed and flushed out of the tooth.
The hole will then be filled with a special material and capped with a filling. Since the tooth is not structurally secure, our Grand Rapids dentist will usually place a root canal crown on top to prevent future tooth breakage.
Dr. Ritzema DDS at Complete Health Dentistry strives to help patients maintain beautiful healthy smiles through comprehensive dental services. If you are experiencing dental discomfort and suspect you need a root canal, call our Grand Rapids root canal dentist at (616) 458-7267.