Root Canal Treatment

Why Would I Need a Root Canal?

Most of the time, regular visits to the dentist can catch tooth decay before it becomes too severe. But for many people, tooth decay really sneaks up on them. When it progresses to a certain point (or you receive a tooth injury), you may become vulnerable to infection.

When a tooth becomes attacked by bacteria, it can affect the hard tissue of the teeth and eat it away. Then the decay can spread to the soft inside of a tooth.

Normally, a simple restorative filling should be enough to resolve this issue if it is in its early stages. But when the infection has gone beyond what traditional fillings can address, a root canal should be appropriate.

What Does a Root Canal Do?

Root canal procedures are dental treatments that save decayed teeth before an infection becomes too severe. One of the main goals is to properly ensure that the tooth is saved. Doing so means that the tooth does not have to be pulled out. The main steps of the procedure involve cleaning out the cavity of the nerve and the pulp. We then seal the now clean tooth is cleaned out and sealed.

Unlike the common belief, a root canal procedure is not painful. In fact, most of our patients report that it is about the same as a routine filling treatment. We carefully use targeted amounts of local anesthesia to ensure your remain comfortable throughout the whole procedure. If you have any concerns, please let us know and we will work to find a solution.

Root Canal Process

A root canal treatment procedure involves several steps, each designed to ensure the survival of your tooth. First, we must remove the infected pulp tissue with the use of a series of files. Next, the canal is shaped and cleaned by sequential filing. Once fully cleaned, we can then fill the canal with a biomaterial called gutta-percha.

Because the tooth’s nerve is not vital for teeth function, the procedure is recommended for anyone who is in danger of infection. The nerve is for sensory reasons only, and will not affect the regular functioning of the tooth. This procedure will help you save your teeth and with proper care, you can maintain that tooth in your mouth.

However, waiting too long for a root canal might mean the only option left is a tooth extraction.

Is a Root Canal Right for Me?

If you are experiencing tooth pain, then you may very well need a root canal.
Signs that your tooth is becoming infected include:

• A severe and throbbing toothache that doesn’t seem to go away. It might also feel painful in your jaw, neck, and ear.
• Unusual sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Increased sensitivity or pain from chewing or biting food
• Low-grade to higher fever
• Noticeable swelling in your cheek or face
  

As soon as you notice any symptoms, we recommend calling Smile Wellness to get a treatment appointment. If you notice that the pain suddenly goes away, still call us. This may only mean that the nerve has fully died. So the infection remains, but you simply can no longer feel it.

After Your Root Canal

Recovering from a root canal is quite straightforward and far less painful than popular culture seems to think. In reality, the entire procedure is relatively comfortable from start to finish. Immediately after your root canal, you may have some lingering numbness. This is entirely normal and will wear off quickly.

Afterward, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. However, these both can be taken care of with medication. Also, any discomfort should pass within a matter of only a couple of days.

After that, you should be able to get right back to your daily life. Your tooth will still be alive and your smile all in one piece. If you have any questions or concerns at any point, do not hesitate to call Smile Wellness. We will gladly see you for a follow-up appointment and address any concerns you may have.