Root Canals
If you’re experiencing pain in one or multiple teeth alongside swelling, an abscess or sensitivity, it might be time for a root canal.
Fortunately, our skilled team is equipped to handle your needs with ease and comfort.
How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?
Teeth with nerve damage can present different symptoms, including warning signs like:
- Visible abscesses
- Darkening tooth enamel
- A history of past traumatic injury
- Large crack or cavity
- Severe pain or hypersensitivity
We’ll take a small X-ray of your tooth to assess the root and area around it. At that point we can determine if root canal treatment is needed. Endodontic treatment provides a last-line of defense against having to extract the tooth altogether.
The Root Canal Process
A root canal may be required when an infection has moved to the root of your tooth, causing it to decay and eventually die. It happens when decay moves from your enamel to the dentin, and travels into the pulp. Without proper attention, the infection can spread to nearby teeth and cause the need for more serious dental work.
It’s our goal to always stop the infection before it spreads.
When you visit us for a root canal, we’ll begin by numbing the area to make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed the entire time. We’ll need to clean the affected tooth, and then drill into it to remove the pulp of the tooth where the infection has overtaken the root.
Once we’ve removed all of the damaged pulp, we’ll fill it back up with a sterile material to help provide integrity to the tooth.
Then, we’ll seal the tooth back up and you’re free to go. We may provide a prescription for antibiotics to ensure the infection clears up fully. We recommend taking ibuprofen for any pain that you may experience the following day, though it should subside relatively quickly.
Eventually, you may need a crown on top of the affected tooth, as with time, the tooth can darken and become weak. If a crown is recommended for you, we’ll talk you through the entire process and help you decide if the timing is right for you to move forward with the treatment.
Root Canal FAQ
Does root canal treatment hurt?
Endodontic therapy is not painful. We anesthetize (numb) your tooth up well to prevent any sensitivity or discomfort during your procedure. The process is similar to what you might feel during any other type of restorative treatment. You may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever after your visit to minimize any soreness. But if you’re uncomfortable the next day please get in contact with us.
What happens to my tooth during a root canal?
The root canal procedure involves removing the nerve tissues inside of the canal that extends down the center of your tooth. After it’s removed and the canal is cleaned, we place a filling material into the hollow chamber to seal out bacteria. Some root canal appointments take longer than others, depending on how many roots the tooth has.
Will I need anything else done to my tooth?
After a root canal is complete there is no longer any blood supply to the tooth. This situation can cause the tooth become brittle and prone to fractures. To reinforce your tooth, we will fit it with a crown immediately following your endodontic procedure. Our office offers same-day CEREC crowns to save you time!
Is there a way to prevent root canal treatment?
Tooth decay is always best to catch early. If we treat it with a filling, the decay is prevented from spreading further into the tooth. But once a cavity reaches the nerve the only option to preserve your tooth is through endodontic treatment.
Root canal treatment is designed for fully-developed permanent (adult) teeth. If a child has an abscessed tooth, a modified endodontic therapy called a “pulpotomy” will be used.
Do you take DentaCal for root canals?
Yes! We take DentaCal for root canals.
Schedule Your Visit
If you’re in need of a root canal, we can help. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment to get your oral health back on track. We look forward to helping you take care of your smile.
Get started today!
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
