Dentist in Parma Heights Performs Reliable Root Canals

Just the words “root canal” scare you, but they shouldn’t. More properly termed root canal therapy, this reliable restorative treatment saves ailing teeth from extraction and patients from serious toothache pain. Dr. Vladimir Khramoy, your dentist in Parma Heights, performs root canal therapy as a two-visit, in-office procedure. When you’re seriously concerned about the health of a tooth, find out if root canal therapy in Parma Heights is right for you.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Also called endodontic therapy, this common restorative treatment removes the pulp from the inner chambers, or root canals, of a sickly or injured tooth. The pulp is made up of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue important to the tooth during its development. As years go on, this soft tissue no longer plays a vital role in oral function.

However, tooth pulp is a common site for a dental abscess, or infection, resulting from deep decay. Trauma to the mouth also may expose the pulp, leaving the tooth weakened, painful and vulnerable to invasion by bacteria. Even a minor crack, chip, or a defective crown can cause the inflammation characteristic of throbbing toothaches. All these situations may make a tooth a candidate for root canal therapy.

What is the Procedure Like?

Despite its unwarranted reputation for being complicated and painful, root canal therapy is a simple and pain-free in-office procedure. Dr. Khramoy examines the patient’s tooth and also takes digital X-rays to determine the best course of action. If root canal therapy is the way to go, he usually uses nothing more than local anesthesia to numb the area for the treatment.

Then, Dr. Khramoy places a protective dam around the tooth to keep the area free of debris. He drills a small access hole into the first of up to four root canals. Using a series of tiny metal files, he carefully removes the soft tissue from the chamber, smoothing its sides. He seals the chamber with a natural substance called gutta-percha and proceeds to the other root canals as needed. He finishes with placing a temporary crown.

At home, the patient takes over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen for discomfort as needed and eats a soft diet for a day or two. He or she returns to the dental office after a week or so of healing.

At the next visit, Dr. Khramoy removes the temporary crown and places a permanent porcelain crown to protect and beautify the tooth. The professional team at Advanced Dental Center uses CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) technology to take digital impressions, fabricate the crown and place it all in one appointment.

The result is a completely healthy tooth that looks natural and will serve the patient for many years. In fact, the American Association of Endodontists says dentists and oral surgeons perform 15 million successful root canal procedures each year.

If Your Tooth Hurts…

Don’t delay. Contact Advanced Dental Center for an appointment with Dr. Khramoy. He’ll evaluate your tooth and perform the restorative treatment you need. It may be the highly predictable treatment called root canal therapy.