Root Canal
Therapy

A selective shot of a dentist holding a tooth model

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal may sound scary, but advances in dental technology and various sedation methods make this treatment much more bearable for anxious patients. Bratten Dental is happy to help you eliminate dental pain with root canal therapy at our office in Smyrna, TN!

What Happens When the Tooth’s Nerves Become Affected?

When an infection reaches the nerves of a tooth, it can cause extreme discomfort and sensitivity to temperatures. The only way to eliminate this is to remove the affected nerves with a root canal treatment. Leaving the infection untreated can not only leave you in pain, but you’re also at a greater risk of developing more serious issues, like abscesses and jawbone loss.

What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy

Before the treatment, your dentist will numb the tooth and its surrounding structures with a local anesthetic. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the dentist will then drill a hole into the tooth, creating an opening into the canal to remove the infected tissue. Afterward, they'll thoroughly clean the canal before filling it with a sealant.

Having a dental crown placed after your root canal treatment can help protect the tooth and improve its appearance. We strongly recommend doing this to increase the success rate of the root canal.

Reasons You May Need a Root Canal

People may need root canal therapy after the nerves of a tooth become inflamed or infected. This can happen for several reasons, including:

  • Trauma
  • Deep decay
  • Tooth sensitivity

Do You Need Root Canal Therapy in Smyrna, TN?

If you’re experiencing a toothache and think you may need this treatment, please contact our office to schedule a consultation today!