Root canal therapy offers a highly effective way to save severely damaged or infected teeth, preserving your natural tooth structure while eliminating pain and preventing the spread of infection. This advanced endodontic procedure removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside your tooth, allowing you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it extracted, maintaining proper chewing function and avoiding the need for more complex tooth replacement procedures.
At SmilePro Dental, Dr. Salam Awad provides comprehensive endodontic care services including root canal therapy designed to save your natural teeth and restore your oral health. Our gentle, precise approach ensures your comfort throughout treatment while delivering the exceptional results you need to maintain a healthy, functional smile for years to come.
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside your tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected or severely inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or trauma from injury. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that were essential during tooth development but are no longer vital once the tooth fully matures. When this tissue becomes infected, it can cause severe pain, abscess formation, and eventual tooth loss if left untreated.
Common symptoms indicating the need for root canal treatment include severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, darkening or discoloration of the tooth, and swelling or tenderness in nearby gums. Some cases may present without obvious symptoms, making regular dental examinations crucial for early detection. Dr. Awad uses advanced diagnostic techniques including digital X-rays to identify infection and determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific situation.
Root canal treatment typically requires one to three appointments, depending on the complexity of your case and the tooth’s response to initial treatment. Dr. Awad begins by administering local anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure, then creates a small access hole in the top of the affected tooth to reach the infected pulp chamber. Advanced techniques and specialized instruments allow for precise removal of all infected tissue while preserving healthy tooth structure.
The interior of your tooth is then carefully cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and prevent reinfection, followed by shaping of the root canals to prepare them for filling. Once thoroughly cleaned and dried, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and the access hole is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. Most teeth requiring root canal therapy also need a crown to protect and strengthen the tooth structure following treatment.
Modern root canal therapy is far more comfortable than many patients expect, with most experiencing minimal discomfort during the procedure thanks to effective local anesthesia and advanced techniques. Dr. Awad’s gentle approach and attention to patient comfort help ensure a positive treatment experience. Any discomfort following treatment is typically mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications for a few days while your tooth heals.
Post-treatment care instructions help minimize discomfort and promote optimal healing, including avoiding hard foods and chewing on the treated tooth until permanent restoration is completed. Most patients return to normal activities the day following treatment, with any sensitivity gradually subsiding as the surrounding tissues heal. Dr. Awad provides specific aftercare instructions and remains available to address any concerns during your recovery period.
The primary alternative to root canal therapy is tooth extraction followed by replacement with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. While these options can restore function and appearance, they typically require more extensive treatment, longer healing times, and greater expense than root canal therapy. Preserving your natural tooth through endodontic treatment maintains proper chewing mechanics and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting.
Extraction may be recommended in cases where the tooth structure is too severely damaged to support a restoration or when root canal treatment has a poor prognosis due to extensive bone loss or root fractures. Dr. Awad carefully evaluates each case to determine whether root canal therapy or extraction with replacement provides the best long-term outcome. Our goal is always to preserve natural teeth whenever possible while ensuring your overall oral health and comfort.
Following root canal treatment, your tooth requires protection through proper restoration, typically involving placement of a crown to prevent fracture and restore full function. The temporary filling placed during root canal treatment should be replaced with permanent restoration as soon as possible to prevent recontamination of the treated canals. Dr. Awad coordinates your endodontic and restorative care to ensure seamless treatment and optimal results.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes crucial for the long-term success of your root canal treatment, including regular brushing, flossing, and preventive care appointments. Your treated tooth requires the same care as your natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. Regular checkups allow Dr. Awad to monitor the success of your treatment and address any concerns before they become problematic.
We commonly collaborate with other healthcare professionals to offer specialized care for complex dental cases and are committed to providing the best for your patients.
Dr. Awad’s extensive training from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and commitment to continuing education through the Spear Study Club ensures you receive the most current and effective endodontic care available. Her numerous awards including the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Award and active memberships in the American Dental Association and Michigan Dental Association reflect her dedication to providing exceptional restorative care. We accept all insurance plans and offer flexible financing options to make necessary endodontic treatment accessible.
Don’t let tooth pain compromise your quality of life when effective treatment can save your natural tooth and restore your comfort. Contact our office at 313-277-3000 or use our convenient contact form to schedule your root canal consultation and discover how modern endodontic therapy can preserve your natural smile.
25147 W Warren Ave, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
(313) 277-3000
We build long lasting relationships with our patients, using leading edge technology to deliver a high quality and a unique dental experience.
