A root canal can often save the tooth from having to be removed.
When the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes infected or badly inflamed, a regular filling may not be enough to fix the problem. In these cases, a root canal can often save the tooth from having to be removed. During treatment, the damaged tissue is taken out, the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned, and the empty canals are filled and sealed. This helps eliminate the infection and protects the tooth from further problems. Without treatment, the infection can spread, causing more discomfort and potentially leading to tooth loss.
At Northside Dental, we understand that hearing you need a root canal isn't exactly welcome news. You might be worried about pain, how long the procedure will take, or what it's going to cost. We'll explain why treatment is necessary, walk you through what to expect, and answer any questions before getting started. We also want to make sure you're comfortable throughout your visit. To schedule an appointment, call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 or visit our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but the procedure is actually intended to relieve the discomfort caused by an infected or inflamed tooth. With modern techniques and local anesthesia, most patients can undergo treatment without significant pain. It's also a procedure that dentists perform regularly, and one that has helped countless people keep teeth they might otherwise have lost.
To understand why a root canal is sometimes necessary, it helps to know a little about what's inside your teeth. Beneath the hard outer enamel and the layer of dentin is a softer tissue called the pulp. This contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help the tooth develop as it grows. Once a tooth has fully matured, however, it no longer needs the pulp to survive. The surrounding tissues continue to provide support and nourishment, which is why a properly treated tooth can remain functional for many years after root canal therapy.
Explore Membership Plans
Examination and Cleaning
Cosmetic Services
Emergency Dentistry
How Do You Know if You Might Need a Root Canal?
To understand if you need a root canal, it is important to understand the different symptoms of the pulp of your tooth being infected.
Whether it be a good thing or a bad thing, it will be obvious that there is something wrong once the pulp of your tooth becomes infected. It will be painful!
Some of the symptoms of an infected root pulp include:
- Pain while attempting to chew food.
- Changes in the color or shade of the tooth.
- An extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
- A severe, throbbing toothache.
- Some swelling of the neighboring gums.
- Pain when you apply any pressure to the tooth.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with Northside Dental as soon as possible.
It is also important to know why a root canal needs to be done. Some of these reasons include:
- To stop the trauma to the tooth.
- To correct a fracture of the tooth.
- To rid the tooth of decay.
- To remove a dead tooth nerve.
- To remove a damaging infection.
Do not allow the issue to persist any longer than it needs to. Take care of your infected tooth as soon as possible.
The Root Canal Procedure
The first step of a root canal is visiting Northside Dental for an examination. We will examine the tooth and identify the issue. If it is just minor decay, you may just need a cavity filled. If the pulp is indeed infected, we will next decide whether the tooth is able to be saved or not.
Once we make the decision to proceed with root canal therapy, we will begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue. Then we will start the treatment by removing the injured pulp. Next, we will disinfect the root canal system. Once the inside of the tooth, the pulp chamber, is clean, a filling will be used to seal the tooth and prevent any further infection. If the tooth has had a significant amount of decay, we may strongly suggest placing a dental crown to ensure the strength of the tooth and protect it.
Most of the time, your root canal can be completed within one visit, but it may take more than one visit depending on the amount and type of any additional treatment that is required.
Each branch of the dental industry is trained to take all measures to save your natural teeth. Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages:
- Your efficient chewing
- Your normal biting force and sensation
- A natural appearance remains
- It protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain
Is A Root Canal Painful?
Having an infection in the pulp of your tooth is very painful; the actual procedure to remove the infection is relatively painless in comparison. Do not allow fear of a root canal to prevent you from getting the proper care that your tooth needs. If you do not get a root canal, you risk the tooth being damaged to the point where it can no longer be repaired. At this point, the only option will be extraction.
Root Canal Aftercare
There are no special instructions for aftercare after root canal therapy. It is important, though, for you to contact Northside Dental if there are any complications after your procedure. If you notice any pain, swelling, or pressure that lasts for a couple of days, this might be due to a possible infection. Contact us immediately to set an appointment if this is the case.
Avoiding Root Canals
Root canals can usually be avoided with proper oral care. By brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, you can prevent infections and tooth decay. It is also extremely important to visit Northside Dental at least twice a year. During these regular checkups, we will be able to catch any cavities that have formed. From there, we can fill the cavities. This will help you to avoid a root canal.
Your Comfort and Your Care
At Northside Dental, we know that finding time for dental appointments can be difficult, especially when you have a busy schedule. We do our best to offer convenient appointment times and make each visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're coming in for routine care or a specific dental concern, our team is here to help you get the treatment you need. We want to be a dental office that you and your family can rely on for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.