Unfortunately, a root canal has a bad reputation in the world. When most people hear the words  they wince in pain and agony. What most people don’t know is that they are actually not a painful procedure. The pain is actually the infected tooth. Root canals treat infected teeth to prevent them from extraction. Dr. Polley uses modern technology that is completely comfortable, fast and convenient for you. We can even provide you with sedation dentistry to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.

If you’re suffering from a bad toothache, it’s possible you need a root canal. Having this procedure done can help eliminate the pain from the infection and prevent damage from spreading to your bones, other teeth, and your brain. Please contact our root canal dentist in Las Vegas, Dr. Polley by calling (702) 873-0324 or emailing us today.

What’s a Root Canal?

Your teeth contain several layers. The outside is your hard enamel – this layer is white and highly mineralized. Beneath this layer is dentin which is typically yellow in color and a little less hard than the outer layer. Dentin is flexible to give your teeth strength. Beneath the dentin is the inner layer of your tooth that contains the pulp or nerve. The tooth pulp branches out to form canals that lead to the bloodstream. The pulp is responsible for nourishing the tooth and disposing of waste. When a tooth gets a cavity, injury or fracture, the pulp becomes susceptible to a bacterial infection that can kill your tooth’s nerve and create pressure in your tooth.

If this occurs, you will need a root canal. Dr. Polley starts by disinfecting the canal to remove the bacteria. He will then remove the damaged pulp and then fill the canal with composite material. Oftentimes, we will cap the tooth with a dental crown for ultimate protection and strength. We administer a local anesthetic prior to your procedure to eliminate any pain and can also use oral sedation dentistry to help you stay relaxed. Following your procedure, over the counter pain medications can help with discomfort, soreness, and inflammation. The pain you felt from your infected tooth prior to your procedure will subside within a few days.

Don’t Wait!

Once a bacterial infection has spread to the pulp of your tooth, it’s easy for the bacteria to multiply and enter your bloodstream. Once it enters your bloodstream, it can infect your sinuses and eventually your brain. If you neglect the bacterial infection in your tooth, it might result in a deadly emergency.

Root Canal vs. Dental Implants

When you have an infected or damaged tooth, Dr. Polley will evaluate its current state to determine if it makes more sense to give you a root canal or extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant. In most cases, Dr. Polley will recommend restoring your natural tooth. Natural teeth can last for decades following a root canal so you won’t have anything to worry about anytime soon. We try to only extract teeth as a last resort.

Visit Dr. Polley for Root Canal Therapy

If you’re suffering from a bad toothache or you need a root canal, don’t wait for your tooth to get worse. Please contact our root canal dentist in Las Vegas for a consultation. Dr. Polley will recommend either a root canal or tooth extraction. Please call our dentist’s office at  (702) 873-0324 or email us today to request an appointment.