When a tooth is threatened by extreme decay, periodontal disease, or damage from an injury, a skilled dentist or endodontist must make a judgment call concerning the course of treatment. If the pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed, a root canal is generally the only way to save the tooth. At Decatur Smiles, we want to restore your smile to its former glory.
During a root canal treatment (or endodontic treatment), the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is taken out. This tissue contains veins, arteries, and lymph vessels. Once the roots are taken out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material.
The root canal is only the initial step in the complete tooth restoration. After the root canal, without a crown, the tooth will become dry and brittle. The last steps are the core build-up and crown.
At Decatur Smiles, we manufacture strong, natural-looking crowns that blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. With proper oral hygiene and twice-yearly visits to your dentist, a tooth with a filled root can often function problem-free for the rest of a patient’s life.
I am Doctor Stephanie Teichmiller, DMD, of Decatur Smiles. I have been practicing dentistry since 1990. During that time I have seen hundreds of teeth saved by this effective dental procedure. Root canal therapy has a very high success rate.
Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often do not generate symptoms, it is important to have regular dental examinations. I can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can advance to a point where the tooth cannot be saved.
Contact Decatur Smiles:
256-350-5820
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1316 Somerville Rd SE Ste 2
Decatur, Alabama
35601
