Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment involves the removal of the infected or inflamed pulp inside the tooth, followed by cleaning, disinfecting, filling, and sealing the affected area. This procedure is crucial for preventing the spread of infection and saving the natural tooth.
Quit Suffering So You Can Smile Again
The last thing we want is to see a patient in pain. If your teeth are hurting you, that means something is wrong. The sooner you get treated, the faster you can feel normal again.
Root canal procedures are an essential part of our restorative dentistry. During this process, we:
- Remove decay from your tooth
- Remove infected tissue from inside your tooth
- Refill your tooth with a special substance
- Cap your tooth with a filling and/or dental crown
Many people worry that root canals will be painful. Yet they can be done practically painlessly with sedation dentistry. Whether you choose inhaled sedation (laughing gas), oral sedation (medication), or IV sedation, you can rest assured that you will feel calm and comfortable throughout your procedure.
By providing root canals in Perry, OK, we can save your tooth and prevent infection from spreading to other parts of your mouth. A root canal treatment could be the key to protecting your smile.
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What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that is used to save a tooth when the nerves inside it get inflamed. The infected tissue must be removed by the dentist to save the tooth and get rid of the pain. After the removal, the infected area is cleaned properly.
Symptoms of Root Canal Infection
If a patient is suffering from an infected root canal, they will most likely experience severe pain and other symptoms such as:
– Intense and persistent toothaches
– Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks
– Tender and swollen lymph nodes
– Reoccurring abscesses on the gums
In most cases, a crown needs to be placed after the root canal treatment to protect the tooth from further damage.
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How is root canal treatment performed?
The process of root canal treatment begins with the use of digital X-rays to assess the extent of damage to the tooth. The dentist will then proceed to access the inner structure of the tooth, carefully removing any infectious material to leave the tooth hollowed out. After that, an antimicrobial liquid is used to clean the area, and then the tooth is filled with a medicated substance to provide support and strength for timely healing. Finally, the tooth is protected with a dental crown to prevent any fractures or breakages.
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How long does the pain from a root canal last?
There is a widespread belief that root canals are extremely painful. However, the fact is that the root canal procedure itself is usually no more painful than getting a tooth filling. Before the procedure, dentists generally administer anesthesia, so there is not a significant amount of discomfort during and shortly after the treatment.
Although some sensitivity and discomfort are typical while the surrounding area of the root canal heals, it is perfectly normal for the gums to become swollen or irritated during the procedure, resulting in mild pain. The pain should gradually subside as the tooth heals. After the treatment, your dentist will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your newly treated tooth.
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Will further treatment be needed following root canal treatment?
On a back tooth, a crown is needed to lower the risk of future cracking or fracture from chewing forces. If the tooth already has a healthy, well-sealed crown, the dentist may be able to seal the root canal without replacing the crown.
A front tooth in good condition may only need a bonded filling to seal and support it. Your dentist will discuss what support your specific tooth will need.
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What are the benefits of having root canal treatment?
A tooth can be saved that would otherwise have to be removed due to
infection or nerve damage.Chronic inflammation that occurs with infection may be eliminated. This inflammation is harmful to overall health, and the infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and heart, and can be fatal.
Pain or sensitivity caused by the damaged nerve can be relieved.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about root canal treatment, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.