Protect Your Smile With Root Canal Treatment
Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the nerves of the teeth. Root canals are probably the most notorious procedure in dentistry and the most common procedure relating to endodontics. When a tooth becomes infected it is usually related to the nerves in the root of the tooth. The infected nerves need to be removed. If left untreated, an infection can turn into an abscess, which is a much more serious problem that includes bone loss in the jaw.
How Root Canals Can Save Your Smile?
Root Canal Procedure Explained
The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to start the procedure. The dentist will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal. They will then be able to remove infected tissue and clean the canal. After the infection has been removed, the space is filled with a sealant called gutta percha. It is highly recommended that a tooth that has undergone a root canal is fitted with a crown. This will improve the appearance of the tooth, and will also make it much more likely that the root canal is successful.
Root canal has become a scary term for dental patients to hear, but the benefits of the procedure and advances in dental technology have made it much less "scary". Local anesthetics and proper pain medication allow the procedure to be performed with little to no pain in most cases. There may be some soreness following the procedure, but that is normal for most dental procedures. Over the counter painkillers are usually enough to relieve any pain afterwards, but your dentist may prescribe medication. The procedure will also relieve you from pain caused by the infection allowing you to enjoy all the foods you love without any pain from heat, cold, or biting too hard.
If you are experiencing pain, call our office and we will either refer you to a specialist right away or have you stop in for a quick visit to confirm the need for treatment and then refer to the specialist. We may occasionally perform a root canal here in our office but most times we utilize the endodontist.
Signs for Root Canal Treatment
Signs of a Tooth Infection or Abscess:
- Persistent or severe toothache
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold
- A bump on the gums resembling a pimple
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bad taste or unpleasant odor in the mouth
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be a sign of a tooth infection that needs prompt care. Seeking treatment quickly can help relieve discomfort and protect your overall health.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Many people feel nervous about root canals, but the procedure is much more comfortable than expected. Using advanced 3-D cone-beam (CBCT) imaging, our dentist can capture a detailed view of your tooth, allowing for precise planning and treatment.
This technology helps us understand the structure of your tooth and customize your care. Combined with effective anesthesia, the process is smooth and typically pain-free. Most patients feel a noticeable sense of relief once the procedure is finished.
