Provider Of Invisalign In Chamblee GA Discusses Root Canal Procedures

Yi-Tsu Cheng, D.D.S. & Associates in Chamblee, Georgia, recently discussed root canals and what patients should expect if and when they need one. The dental office states that root canals take up a number of their service hours and that patients are often unaware of what the procedure entails or why they need a root canal in the first place.

Dr. Cheng with the practice says, “It is unfortunate that many patients are led into believing that they need an expensive procedure when they actually do not. We take pride in always informing our patients of why they need each procedure, and we walk them through the procedure step-by-step to ensure that they fully understand what will happen before, during and after their root canal.”

Dr. Cheng says that root canals involve removing infected or injured pulp from a tooth. The tooth’s root canal system is the space between the hard layers. The interior system is filled with nerves and blood vessels, and when the patient is in need of a root canal, these vessels may prove to be very painful.

“Often, people who are in need of a root canal cannot chew on that particular tooth or anywhere near it,” says Dr. Cheng. “The entire area may be very sensitive to cold or hot substances, and the patient may even experience pain throughout their mouth because of those sensitive nerves.”

The dentist in Chamblee GA says that bacteria can enter the tooth through cracks or deep cavities, which will cause the tooth to become abscessed. In these cases, the pulp in the tooth will need to be removed so that this infection does not spread and become more serious. Abscessed teeth can cause massive pain, as well as swelling of the gum area around the tooth. Dentists use x-rays to determine if the tooth is abscessed and whether it needs to be removed completely or a root canal can be performed.

“In extreme cases,” says Dr. Cheng. “The tooth may simply need to be removed as there may not be enough to work with. In most cases however, we can do a root canal and restore the tooth, which will strengthen it once again and eliminate pain.”

The dentist states that root canals have gained a negative reputation in the dental world, as patients believe that they are long and complicated processes. He says that the opposite of this is often true. Dr. Cheng states that he and his team are highly experienced in root canal procedures and that they ensure that patients are comfortable throughout the procedure.

He states that patients who are undergoing root canal procedures are given anesthetics to dull any pain that they may feel during the procedure. He says that in severe cases, where the nerves in the tooth are dead, the patient may not feel any discomfort at all. He adds that there are certain requirements that patients must meet after the procedure, such as avoiding chewing crunchy or hard foods directly after the procedure. He states that most patients return to work the same day as their procedure, but are advised not to eat anything until their numbness has gone.

Dr. Cheng adds that one of the most common questions that the practice receives from their patients involves how many visits a root canal takes. He states that root canal procedures, when done properly, can take up to three visits to perform, depending on how difficult the patient’s root canal system is. Patients with curved roots or multiple canals could require up to three visits to complete the root canal. He states that the best way to determine how long it will take is to visit the practice and speak with the dentist.

Those who are interested in learning more about the root canal procedure can visit the dentist online. Dr. Cheng also provides Invisalign Chamblee GA patients prefer to straighten teeth and get a more natural smile.