Root canal therapy is a common procedure that has the potential to salvage a damaged tooth. It can spare you from an extraction and the expenses of tooth replacement! Still, it is understandable if you have questions about what to expect from it. For example, you might wonder about the methods used and how they will affect your treatment experience. In this blog post, you will learn about some instruments that are often used for this procedure and why laser-based root canal therapy is changing the way people feel about this treatment.
Understanding Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that treats an infection inside a tooth. When the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or damaged, root canal therapy is often necessary to prevent an extraction.
The procedure usually begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the area. The dentist then creates an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Next, the infected or damaged pulp is removed. In traditional root canal therapy, this step is accomplished with the use of drills and an irrigation solution to flush out the tooth’s interior. The final step usually involves placing a crown to protect the treated tooth.
The Role of Laser Technology in Root Canals
Laser technology is a recent advancement in the field of dentistry and has found a significant application in root canal therapy. Lasers can be used to perform various steps of the procedure, including accessing the pulp chamber, removing the infected tissue, and disinfecting the root canals. The laser emits light energy that can precisely target and remove the damaged tissue without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue. In addition to removing the infected pulp, the laser can also sterilize the area, which helps to reduce the risk of further infection.
Unique Benefits of Laser Root Canal Therapy vs. Traditional Methods
There are several unique benefits to choosing laser root canal therapy over traditional methods.
- Laser technology allows for greater precision in removing the infected tissue, helping to preserve more of the healthy tooth structure. This can lead to a more successful outcome and a longer-lasting result.
- Lasers can sterilize the root canals more effectively than traditional instruments, reducing the risk of recurrent infections and promoting quicker healing with less post-operative discomfort.
- Laser root canal therapy is less invasive, resulting in less pain and swelling during and after the procedure.
- The use of lasers can shorten the overall treatment time, as they can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, making the procedure more efficient.
Traditional root canal therapy has been a reliable method for many years, but dentistry is ready to move forward! Laser-based treatments can create a more comfortable, precise, and efficient treatment experience.
Meet the Practice
Our team at JC Endodontics in New York, NY, features five highly skilled endodontists. We are true root canal therapy specialists, and we use the advanced EdgePRO™ laser-activated irrigation system to make treatment as easy as possible for patients. To learn more about us or the technology we use, get in touch with us at 212-737-6112.