The infamous root canal is one of the most feared dental procedures. However, while the words “root canal” may make you uneasy, the reality is far less intimidating. Root canals are not as painful as they seem—in fact, dentists perform them to save teeth and relieve pain caused by infections. This procedure is incredibly common, with over 41,000 performed daily in the United States! If you’re experiencing tooth pain, you might be one of the many patients who need root canal treatment.
At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, our skilled professionals frequently perform this tooth-saving procedure. If you’re worried about your oral health, prompt attention can help us save your tooth from extraction!
The Need for Root Canals
What is a root canal? Interestingly, the term root canal has two meanings. It can refer to either a part of the tooth’s structure hidden below your gums or the procedure we use to remove infected tissue.
Structurally, your tooth has two main components: its crown, which rests above your gum line, and its root, which lies beneath. The root is embedded in your jawbone, anchoring the tooth in place and stimulating the bone whenever you bite or chew.
Inside the root of your tooth is the root canal, a hollow space that houses part of the tooth’s pulp. The pulp, a collection of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, extends up into the pulp chamber located in the tooth’s crown.
When bacteria infect pulp, patients like you often experience persistent and disruptive pain. So, how do we alleviate tooth pain while preventing the infection from spreading? Root canal therapy!
At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we perform root canal therapy to relieve pain and save natural teeth. After drilling a hole into the crown to reach the pulp chamber, we carefully remove the infected pulp. Then, we flush out the infected area, ensuring the root canal is clean and dry. Afterward, we seal the canal with a thermoplastic material, rebuild the lost tooth structure, and place an artificial crown on top.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap used as a shield for a damaged tooth to prevent further infection. If we don’t perform a root canal, the infection may spread, causing additional pain and potentially leading to tooth loss. The sooner you contact us for treatment, the better our chances are of saving your tooth from extraction!
Signs and Symptoms
Numerous symptoms may indicate the need for a root canal. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be at risk of losing your tooth.
- Persistent tooth pain: A constant toothache is one of the most obvious signs that you may need a root canal. When experiencing tooth pain, pay attention to the sensation. If the pain is severe, worsens with chewing, or spreads down to your jawbone, a root canal is likely necessary.
- Swollen gums: Inflamed gum tissue is a common sign that your oral hygiene is at risk. If you notice that your gums are red and irritated or have abscesses (sores that resemble pimples), you should seek dental care as soon as possible. If it’s not a sign of a root canal infection, it may be a symptom of gum disease.
- Increased sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks could indicate an infected pulp. This sensitivity may persist even after the temperature has returned to normal, indicating damage that may require a root canal.
- Tooth discoloration: If you need a root canal, you may find that your infected tooth is starting to change color. When your dental pulp is infected, the blood and tissue inside the tooth break down. As a result, the tooth can appear grey, yellow, dark brown, or black.
Book an Appointment at the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Today!
Contrary to popular opinion, root canals are not a source of pain—they’re a solution for it! At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we perform root canals to treat infected dental pulp, relieve discomfort, and save natural teeth from extraction.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a root canal infection, don’t wait—visit our practice as soon as possible. Schedule a free consultation today to find out how we can save your tooth and free you from tooth pain!
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