Preserving Your Natural Tooth
Through a root canal procedure, the tooth’s pulp (the vital tissue within) is removed, and the cavity is filled with specialized, medicated dental materials to restore the tooth’s functionality. Root canal therapy not only extends the life of your natural tooth but also maintains the health of the jawbone and surrounding tissues. Opting to save your natural tooth can prevent further discomfort and reduce future expenses.
Indications that root canal therapy might be needed include:
- Sensitivity to temperature changes.
- Intense pain in the tooth.
- Redness or swelling of the gums around the tooth.
- A change in the tooth’s color.
- The presence of an abscess (or pimple-like swelling) on the gums.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
A root canal treatment typically involves one to two visits to either a dentist or an endodontist.
Below is the process for conducting your root canal:
Initial Diagnosis and Planning
The process begins with an x-ray to examine the tooth and surrounding bone for the root cause of your discomfort. Your specialist might prescribe antibiotics to manage any infection and reduce inflammation. The pain associated with an abscess, often a significant discomfort during root canals, is due to infected swelling. Addressing this inflammation before the procedure can alleviate this pain factor.
Preparing the Tooth
To ensure your comfort, we meticulously numb the targeted area before applying a local anesthetic to your gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Your well-being is our priority. Once you are sufficiently comfortable, we create an access hole in the tooth to remove the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and debris.
Sealing the Tooth
If there’s a severe abscess, we might insert medication into the tooth to eliminate any remaining infection. Should the treatment span over multiple visits, a temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth. You might start feeling relief after this stage. The tooth is permanently sealed only after it is completely clean and free from infection.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the center of a tooth (the root canal system). It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it to prevent further infection.
Modern root canal treatment is generally no more painful than having a filling placed. Dentists use local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area, making the procedure relatively pain-free. Some discomfort or mild pain may be experienced after the anesthesia wears off, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The duration of a root canal procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the specific tooth involved. Generally, the treatment is completed in one to two visits, with each session lasting between 30 minutes to two hours.
Signs that you may need a root canal include severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure, prolonged sensitivity or pain in response to hot and cold temperatures, discoloration of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums, and a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.
Yes, a tooth that has had a root canal treatment can get infected again. However, this is rare if the treatment is performed properly. Reinfection can occur if the inner sealing materials break down over time, allowing bacteria to re-enter the tooth, or if a new decay or a cracked or loose filling compromises the seal. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can help prevent this.
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