A root canal is a standard dental procedure that relieves pain and can save natural teeth from extraction.
Teeth that need root canals can cause painful and alarming symptoms. These symptoms include the following:
- Recurring pain when chewing or putting pressure on the tooth
- Pain that persists when you are not chewing
- Pimple-like swelling on the gum
- Pus on the gum line
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Discolored tooth
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Loose tooth
Root Canals Step-By-Step
Dentists frequently perform root canals to relieve pain and save teeth. A root canal is a straightforward procedure that rarely presents complications. Dentists frequently perform root canals to relieve pain and save teeth. The procedure goes as follows:
- The patient receives appropriate local anesthesia around the tooth, blocking all pain.
- The dentist opens the tooth's crown and drills inside, removing the infected and inflamed pulp.
- To reach the root canal area, the dentist uses specialized files. They can then access the pulp and nerve tissue inside the canals and clear them out.
- The dentist may need to place an antibiotic or give an oral antibiotic at this stage. If your tooth needs an antibiotic, the procedure may need to continue in a few days after the infection has resolved.
- The dentist fills the tooth with a plastic sealing material called gutta-percha, sealing out contaminants like saliva and food.
- Our office provides same-day crowns with the advanced CEREC system, so you can go home with a permanent restoration that protects your tooth.
Advantages of Root Canals
Relieve Pain and Sensitivity
The most immediate benefit of a root canal is pain relief. Tooth pain from a pulp infection often interferes with your ability to eat, relax, and sleep. Getting a root canal will allow you to return to your normal activities.
Treat Infection
If a root canal infection goes untreated, it could spread to adjacent teeth, potentially causing bone breakdown and tooth loss.
Preserve Natural Teeth
Clearing the infection and protecting the tooth with a crown may keep it from needing extraction.
Improve the Look of Your Tooth
If your tooth has become discolored due to the pulp infection, a crown can restore its attractive appearance.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
Contrary to the information you may have heard, root canals are not painful. Today's root canal procedures feel much like getting a standard filling, though the appointment is longer. You may have some minor jaw discomfort after the appointment.
Call Jacobs and Thatcher Dentistry
If you have any of the above symptoms, don't hesitate to call Jacobs and Thatcher Dentistry. We can evaluate your tooth and let you know whether we recommend a root canal or another type of dental treatment. Call our office at 813-634-1932 to request an appointment today.