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Root Canal services offered in Glen Burnie, Baltimore and Timonium, MD
Once among the most dreaded dental procedures, the root canal has come a long way and is now an effective and painless treatment for an infected tooth. Juheon Seung DDS, MS, of Sterling Endodontics in Glen Burnie, Baltimore and Timonium, MD, performs top-quality root canals that can save your tooth. When you’re ready to explore root canals in more detail, schedule a consultation online or over the phone.
Root Canal Q & A
What is a root canal?
A root canal is an endodontic procedure to treat an infected tooth. Each of your teeth has a hollow central chamber and hollow canals that extend down into the tooth roots. That chamber is filled with dental pulp, a network of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues that nourish your tooth and enable sensation.
Although your tooth pulp is critical during tooth development, once your tooth is fully formed, it is no longer necessary. If the pulp becomes infected, a root canal removes the pulp and fills the chamber with a special dental material.
What are some signs I might need a root canal?
Knowing what to look for can help you know when to schedule an endodontic consultation. Some of the signs you might need a root canal include:
- Severe pain, especially when biting down
- Lingering sensitivity to heat or cold, even after the source is removed
- Dark gum tissue
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Pimple-like sore on the gums
- Swollen or tender gums
If you notice these changes, schedule a diagnostic exam right away. Left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to the underlying tissues, complicating the problem.
What are the steps involved in a root canal?
Advanced imaging is done prior to the procedure to identify all areas of the infected tooth and underlying bone tissue. This guides the root canal process and dramatically increases the chances for a successful procedure.
You’ll receive numbing medication to ensure you remain comfortable from start to finish. Once you’re numb, Dr. Seung creates a small opening in your tooth to access the inner chamber. He then uses specialized instruments to remove all traces of infected pulp from the chamber and rinses it carefully to ensure it is entirely clear of bacteria.
Sterling Endodontics uses bioceramic root canal filling materials to fill and seal the cleared tooth chamber and canals. These materials have been shown to deliver better results than the traditional gutta percha used for decades in root canal procedures.
Once the chamber is filled, Dr. Seung closes the opening with a small filling. A custom crown is crafted to cover the treated tooth, and a temporary crown is installed until the permanent version arrives.
If you’d like to learn more about root canals and how this treatment aligns with your needs, schedule a consultation online or over the phone at your earliest convenience.