ROOT CANALS

We understand that hearing the term “root canal” is enough to keep people away from the dentist. Many horror stories circulate about painful root canals. But we want to let you know that root canals aren’t as scary as you might think. In most cases, it’s actually the infected teeth, rather than the treatment used to fix them, that are causing so much pain. We want to help you learn more about this treatment and when you might need it.

 

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WHEN IS A ROOT CANAL NEEDED?

 

A root canal is a treatment dentists use to address an infected tooth. This happens when decay and bacteria spread for too long without treatment. At a certain point, this decay makes it to the pulp inside the tooth. This pulp includes nerves, so infection there generally causes a lot of pain. Since this is happening on the inside of the tooth, you won’t necessarily see the damage. Instead, you could feel it through pain and notice other signs that include bleeding, swelling and bad breath.

 

A root canal is actually a positive treatment that can handle the infection and help you keep your tooth. Without catching the problem soon enough or if you avoid dental care due to fear of a root canal, you could end up losing the tooth and/or having a broader infection throughout your mouth. These problems would actually result in more extensive treatment than a root canal.

 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL?

 

Before performing a root canal at one of our offices, we use a thorough examination to check whether you have a tooth infection or a different problem. If we recommend a root canal to solve your trouble, we take out the affected pulp, which is no longer necessary for the tooth to function. We also clean inside the tooth, fill it and seal it. Finally, we use a crown or filling to restore it. The treatment and number of visits can vary slightly based on the severity of your infection.

 

While you might associate this procedure with pain, it takes away the pain of a problem tooth and brings your mouth back to a healthy state. This treatment can also prevent problems from worsening and spreading within your mouth.

Please come to us quickly when you have pain or other symptoms in your mouth.

 

Treatments are quicker, easier and more cost-effective when we catch problems early compared to when they have progressed. A tooth infection will continue to progress if left untreated, which will cause worse pain than the root canal used to fix it. To have your tooth assessed for a possible infection, make an appointment today.