If the thought of undergoing root canal therapy scares you, you are not alone. Given the images that a root canal conjures for most people thanks to jokes and urban legends about the horrors associated with the procedure, it's no surprise that most people would do just about anything to avoid hearing the dreaded words from the dentist. But not only are the rumors about root canal therapy untrue, the truth is that ignoring dental problems for fear of treatment will actually do more harm than good. Dr. P. Steven Wainess, a dentist in St. Clair Shores, MI, offers general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry services to help improve your smile and oral health.

Root Canal Therapy in St. Clair Shores, MI

Root canal therapy is usually necessary when a tooth becomes infected. If bacteria reaches the pulp (the nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue inside the tooth), the root and damaged tissue are removed to clear the infection and save the tooth from permanent damage. In reality, the procedure is not especially traumatic and is actually fairly similar to filling a cavity. The dentist drills a small hole in the tooth (after applying anesthesia to numb the area to minimize any pressure or discomfort), removes the damaged tissue, cleans the tooth from the inside out and removes all bacteria, and then seals the tooth.

How to Know if You Need a Root Canal

A dental exam and x-ray are necessary to determine whether you need root canal therapy, but here are a few signs and symptoms that may indicate that you will need a root canal:

• Moderate to severe toothache
• Sudden tooth sensitivity
• Dark stain or discoloration
• Inflammation/swelling
• Pus or other signs of infection

Find a Dentist in St. Clair Shores, MI

For more information about root canal therapy, contact our office by calling (586) 293-1515 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wainess today.