Have you been told that you are in need of a root canal? Though this may sound alarming, root canal treatment is a routine and fairly painless procedure. Millions of root canal procedures are completed every year. If a root canal has been recommended for you, you probably have many questions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions regarding root canal treatment.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal, also referred to as “endodontic treatment”, is the removal of soft tissue from the inside of a tooth. Our teeth have hollow spaces called pulp chambers and canals. These spaces contain blood vessels and nerve tissue, otherwise know as pulp tissue. In order to treat infected, cracked or painful teeth, root canals are often recommended in order to remove these tissues from the tooth and promote healing and relief. Root canals are important procedures because they allow us to to save existing teeth that might otherwise need to be removed.
Root Canal – 5 Signs
Why would I need a Root Canal?
Root canals become necessary when the pulp becomes severely inflamed or infected. This can occur for many reasons including tooth decay, grinding, a cracked tooth or other form of trauma. Some typical symptoms of a tooth requiring root canal treatment may include:
- Severe or prolonged sensitivity to hot and/or cold.
- Pain when chewing.
- A toothache that wakes you up at night.
- A bump, bubble or swelling in the gum tissue.
- An infection that results in swelling of face, head or neck.
- Discoloration of the affected tooth.
In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. Your Portage dentist will inform you if you require root canal treatment.
How is the procedure done?
Local anesthetic is used to profoundly numb the affected tooth. Following anesthesia, access is made into the pulp chamber and the soft tissue is removed. Once the pulp is thoroughly removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected and filled to seal the tooth. When the root canal is completed, a crown is placed over the restored tooth for strength and protection.
Root Canal Treatment
Is this procedure painful?
Contrary to popular belief, root canals are generally painless. In rare instances, a severely infected tooth can interfere with the effectiveness of local anesthetic. In these situations, it is often recommended that antibiotics be taken before starting this procedure. Post operative discomfort, if it exists, may last several days and is typically triggered when chewing on the treated tooth. Therefore, anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed and the patient is instructed to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the symptoms subside. Some patients may also experience minor soreness at the injection site(s) for a short time.
About Advanced Dental Concepts – Portage Dentist
At Advanced Dental Concepts, Dr. Danny Hayes and Dr. Christine Mousa offer Complete Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry to patients of all ages in Portage, IN and the surrounding areas of NW Indiana. If you are having tooth pain or have been told that you may need endodontic treatment, please call our friendly team at (219) 763-6878. We are always welcoming new patients. If you are looking for a new dental home for you and your family, Advanced Dental Concepts is your family friendly Portage Dentist. We are also located in Crown Point, IN for your convenience. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.