Root canals are a necessary procedure designed to help save a tooth after it has sustained some form of trauma. The outside of the tooth may still appear intact, but when the nerve endings and other organic material within the tooth have died, without proper treatment, it will result in not only the internal decomposition of the tooth, but this can spread to neighboring teeth as well. Surprisingly, root canal therapy has been around since the late 1830s, and, as you might guess, it has seen several improvements in that time. The latest advancement in the procedure is the introduction of GentleWave.
Why Do Some Patients Require Secondary Root Canals
If you need a second root canal it means the initial root canal treatment failed and you probably need endodontic retreatment. Often people may need endodontic retreatment for several reasons based on any issues during the treatment or others that appeared later.
Some roots are easy to clean out while other roots have elaborate canal systems that can prove tricky. If some of the pulp and other organic material remains inside the tooth, it is necessary to go back in and perform a secondary root canal. GentleWave helps prevent the need for a second procedure.
How Does GentleWave Assist in the Root Canal
The GentleWave technology enhances a dentist's ability to see the interior, and extract the dead material.
This technology gives a far clearer view of the interior and makes it dramatically easier to spot the pulp and remove it. Plus, digital imaging allows the dentist to see the interior of the tooth by looking at a large monitor and not rely on looking through a small glass within your mouth. Visibility is key to the success of a root canal, and GentleWave excels in this.
However, beyond having a better view of the tooth, it is vital to be able to clean everything out. Working through small canal systems with handheld instruments isn't always possible. GentleWave uses different technology to assist with this. For starters, it is minimally invasive, so the necessary opening cut into the tooth is far smaller. The technology uses multiple wavelengths of sound to gently distribute disinfecting fluids to the root canal system, even reaching and cleaning microscopic spaces.
Once the root system has been properly cleaned out, the tooth can be filled with biocompatible materials. Your endodontist will make sure to seal the tooth to prevent new bacteria.
Fewer Dental Visits
You likely don't want to go to the dentist more often than is necessary. So, multiple visits for root canals are probably not something you really want to do. After you have the root canal performed with many dentists, the dentist will likely schedule you for a check-up visit. During this visit, the dentist will discuss any lingering pains or feelings you have experienced in the days and weeks following the initial root canal. They may even take additional X-Rays to make sure the tooth has been cleared out properly.
With a GentleWave root canal, this is not necessary. Because technology enhances the ability to effectively clean your tooth, there is a potential lower chance of requiring secondary procedures. You will be told to contact the dentist in the event of pain. This will save you the time required for added dental visits.
Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation Today
Whether you believe you might need a root canal or have another dentist tell you it's a necessary procedure, you want to seek specialists to carry out the root canal. At Southern Endodontic Specialists, that is exactly who we are. We specialize in all things root canals. We also perform this procedure regularly, with state-of-the-art technology, including GentleWave. With our Gentlewave Houma LA services, you're less likely to require secondary follow-up procedures, which helps save you time over additional dental visits.
So, whether your general dentist has recommended you or you'd sought a second opinion, schedule your root canal consultation by giving us a call or filling out a scheduling request on the website today.
Proudly Serving The Tri-Parish Area
Houma Address:
Thibodaux Address: