Endodontic Treatment
Anchor Point, serving Homer and Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Mention the words “root canal” to some people, and you might be greeted with a shudder. In times past, a root canal was a painful procedure to be avoided at all costs.
Today, that’s all changed. The root canal procedure is as simple as filling a cavity.
Understanding the Root CanalIf a tooth becomes infected or suffers pulp damage, a root canal may be recommended. Most commonly, an untreated cavity is the cause. How does an untreated cavity cause infection on the inside of your tooth? Within your tooth are tiny canals that can become infected. When left untreated, the pulp inside your tooth can also become infected. You’ll know for sure when this happens, because you’ll have a fairly painful toothache.
Tooth decay erodes the tooth’s enamel and dentin until bacteria enters the root canal system, infecting the pulp. Antibiotics are not a good treatment, because antibiotics are not effective in reaching the infection.
Sometimes, trauma to the tooth, a fracture, or extensive dental work can inflame the pulp. Pulp that is inflamed but not infected can sometimes heal itself. Once infection sets in, however, it can affect the bone around the tooth and cause an abscess.
The goal of endodontic treatment is to save your tooth. Avoiding a root canal can lead to tooth extraction.
How a Root Canal Saves Your ToothTo save your tooth, Dr. Bartley first removes the infection from the canals, then fills the canals. A dental crown may be necessary to strengthen your tooth structure. The procedure takes one to two visits.
People sometimes wonder why they can’t simply have the infected tooth removed. While you certainly can, the loss of your tooth may cause other teeth to shift. This can interfere with normal biting and chewing. Of course, a dental implant can replace your missing tooth, but this can be a more expensive solution. The bottom line is that there is no substitute for your natural teeth, and Dr. Bartley will do whatever he can to help save your teeth and restore your oral health.
Jeff Bartley, DDS uses his training from Dental Education Laboratories, including post-graduate training in the latest advanced rotary endodontics techniques with a true concern for the welfare of each patient to provide an effective endodontic answer to the problem of infected teeth.
Imagine—right here in Anchor Point, Alaska, you and your family can take advantage of the most advanced procedures, treatments and equipment in the comfort and friendly environment of Dr. Bartley’s family dental office. If you or a family member needs endodontic treatment or is facing other dental issues, please contact us to schedule your private, consultation.
(907)226-3700
Contact Us
34115 Sterling Hwy.
Anchor Point, AK 99556