Do I need a root canal?
Your tooth may be the hardest part of your body, but it can be vulnerable to harmful bacteria. This happens when decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures breach the enamel (the outer covering), allowing harmful bacteria to enter the pulp chamber, which contains nerves and blood vessels.
An infected pulp causes numerous unpleasant symptoms, such as:
- Persistent toothaches
- Tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking hot and cold substances
- Sharp pain when chewing
- Swollen gums
- An infected tooth may become darker
Tooth pain or sensitivity is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Ignoring it can allow infection to spread—sometimes beyond the point where a root canal can help. Visit your dentist as soon as possible to protect and save your natural tooth.
What can I expect from root canal treatment?
You’ll be surprised at how seamless the procedure is. Our office combines gentle care with cutting-edge technology to deliver stress-free and effective root canals. Our patients tell us they couldn’t wish for a more predictable experience.
Here’s what you can expect during your treatment:
- Examination: We’ll examine your tooth with X-rays to visualize its health and structure, which helps determine the most effective treatment.
- Keeping you comfortable: We’ll administer local anesthesia to help you remain comfortable during your procedure. Anesthetics keep your gums fully numb during treatment and can be adjusted to your comfort level.
- Cleaning: We remove the infected tissues and thoroughly clean the area until all infection is gone.
- Sealing: The dentist fills the canals with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha) to stabilize your tooth and lock out future infections.
- Restoration: If treating a front tooth, a filling may be sufficient to restore your tooth. Otherwise, you need a dental crown for extra strength. Many root canal-treated teeth last several years, and even a lifetime, with proper care
After a root canal, we’ll give you easy-to-follow aftercare tips to help you recover smoothly. Our patients are surprised to realize they can resume their routine life without interruption.
