Root Canal Treatment – Belchertown, MA
Stop the Infection. Save Your Tooth.
At Valley Dentists of Belchertown, we offer a wide range of restorative dental services, including root canal treatment. When it comes to this tooth-saving treatment, the more you’re educated on the subject and know what the treatment involves, the better prepared you will be. You might discover that it isn’t as bad as others make it sound! If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, then contact our dental team near Belchertown to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Medaugh.
Why Choose Valley Dentists of Belchertown for Root Canal Treatment?
- Friendly, Experienced Dentist & Team
- Open 5 Days a Week
- Budget-Friendly Financing Available
When Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
Cavities are usually the main culprit for why a root canal is necessary. When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. Once bacteria begin to multiply, the chances of your tooth being saved are slim to none. The bacteria and other decaying debris can cause an abscessed tooth, which is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. Deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a single tooth, large fillings, cracks or chips in teeth, or trauma to the face are all capable of damaging a tooth’s nerve.
When an infection in the root canal of a tooth occurs, it can cause the following:
- Swelling that may spread to your face, neck or head.
- Bone loss around the tip of the root.
- Drainage problems protruding outward from the root.
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment
Deciding whether or not a root canal is needed can be tricky. A lot of times symptoms don’t even show. That said, there are some signs that root canal treatment is necessary, so it’s important to keep an eye out for the following:
- Severe toothache pain while chewing or biting down
- Extensive sensitivity/pain to hot or cold temperatures
- Darkening of the tooth
- Swelling and intense tenderness in the gums nearest the infected tooth
- A recurring pimple on the gums
If you notice any of these signs, it’s imperative that you see Dr. Medaugh as soon as possible so your mouth won’t suffer.
The Root Canal Process
The very first step – whether Dr. Medaugh is treating one tooth or several teeth – is to numb your mouth thoroughly. Once you can’t feel anything and you’re ready to begin, he will make a small hole in your tooth, remove the damaged and decayed tissue, and sanitize the area. From there, he will rebuild the missing structure with a warm, rubbery substance and a dental crown. Since root canals have an incredibly high success rate, there’s a good chance that you won’t have any trouble with that tooth moving forward (as long as you take good care of your smile, of course).
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
We’ve touched on a few benefits of root canal treatment already, including that it has an incredibly high success rate and it’s virtually painless. It’s also worth noting that this emergency dental service eliminates the infection in its tracks, preventing you from needing a tooth extraction in the process. Plus, the entire process usually is completed in just two visits, so your pain-free, healthy, and beautiful smile will be restored in no time!
Dr. Medaugh and the team always stress the importance of maintaining good dental health, and root canal treatment is just one step in correcting and maintaining said good dental health. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment. We’re proud to serve the surrounding areas of Granby, South Hadley, Ware, Amherst, and beyond.
