Root canal therapy is a common procedure and is absolutely crucial to save a tooth once the infection has spread to the pulp. If the tooth is not treated immediately, the tooth will likely need to be extracted.
Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from an infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and to save your natural tooth. When you undergo a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. Root canal therapy is a common procedure and is absolutely crucial to save a tooth once the infection has spread to the pulp. If the tooth is not treated immediately, the tooth will likely need to be extracted.
The conscientious and thoughtful staff at Northside Dental share a common philosophy and that is to treat you as a person first, as a patient second. We appreciate the collective values of your lifestyle, your overall health, your smile, comfort, time, anxiety levels, and your budget. We work diligently in developing and implementing your personalized treatment plans. We also consider our entire team as a particularly important part of your overall health program team. Call us today at 317-848-9838 to schedule your appointment or stop in at 15026 Greyhound Ct. Carmel, IN 46032.
There is no need to be worried if Northside Dental prescribes a root canal procedure to treat a damaged or diseased tooth. Over 15 million root canals are performed every year, saving natural teeth, relieving pain, and making teeth healthy again.
Inside each tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer called dentin, is a soft living tissue called the pulp. This tissue contains the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, which helped the root grow during its development. A fully developed tooth can survive without this pulp because the tooth will continue to get nourishment from the surrounding tissues.
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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 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 just 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 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 on 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 the 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 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
Our preventative approach is the biggest benefit when choosing Northside Dental. We focus on making sure your appointments are quick and efficient. Our common team goal is simple and that we want to be your partner for all your dental needs. We look forward to restoring and maintaining your smile and the opportunity to assist you with good preventative care. We work to retain your confidence with each visit to our clinic. Call us today at 317-848-9838 to schedule your appointment or stop in at 15026 Greyhound Ct. Carmel, IN 46032.