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Endodontic treatment can save a badly damaged or infected tooth. When detected early, tooth decay and damage can often be addressed with a filling or other restorative dentistry procedure. However, when bacteria spread deeper into a tooth and infect the inner portion (pulp), a root canal may be needed to save the tooth. A common endodontic treatment, root canal therapy, removes the damaged pulp from the tooth, sanitizes the internal areas, and then uses a special material to strengthen the tooth from within.
Though root canals are a common dental treatment, patients often put off going to the dentist to address tooth pain because of anxiety and fear. Our highly trained practitioners will do their very best to make sure you are at ease and get the care you need for a healthy smile. If you have tooth pain, an infected tooth, or other symptoms, contact our team right away to learn about your treatment options.
Endodontics dentistry services
Root Canal Treatment
If damage and infection to a tooth is able to make it to the middle of the tooth, also called the pulp,an endodontic procedure, known as a root canal, may be needed to restore oral function and prevent the need for tooth removal. A root canal is a specialized service to eradicate infected inner tooth tissue and restructure the vulnerable tooth to regain oral wellness.
What symptoms require a root canal?
There are several signs to keep an eye out for that can help identify if a root canal is needed. Some of those symptoms include:
- Swollen and tender gums around the tooth
- Darkening of the tooth
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain in the infected area
- Dental Abscess visible in an x-ray.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you visit your dentist to see if there is hidden damage to the tooth that may require root canal treatment. If left untreated, the pulp of the tooth that has been infected can spread to nearby teeth and cause additional damage to the gums. Eventually, the tooth may become too damaged to be saved through endodontic treatment, and more expensive tooth removal may be required.
Are root canals painful?
Root canals have a reputation for being one of the more painful dental procedures however this is far from the truth. Anesthesia is used to numb the area before the root canal procedure and stronger dental sedation options are available for those who have either a fear of the dentist or a lower pain tolerance making root canal treatment painless. If you are nervous about a root canal procedure speak to your dentist and they can answer any questions you may have.
When Can I go back to normal activity?
After the anesthesia has worn off you can return to your normal activities. The day of your root canal procedure you can brush your teeth and floss as you normally would. You should avoid eating any hard foods or hot beverages for about a day until the sensitivity of the tooth has waned.
How long does root canal treatment take?
Root canal treatment generally takes around 30-90 minutes to complete. The length of a root canal can vary based on the tooth that is infected and the level of infection that is present. There are additional factors that may contribute to the procedure time that your dental team can help answer once they have looked at your tooth’s condition.