Root Canals 101
A root canal procedure may be necessary when you have a severe tooth infection or have a tooth subjected to trauma. For toothache pain relief, root canals are here to help. Root canals involve us gaining access to the root canals of your tooth, where the infected pulp is located. We get out all of that infected pulp, use antibiotics to stave off further infection, and then fill your root canals with a biocompatible material that acts as healthy pulp. Once that portion of the root canal process is complete, we will place a temporary crown as we allow the site to heal. Once healed, we’ll place a permanent crown customized to your smile and bite. You won’t even be able to tell the difference, except you will notice toothache relief almost instantaneously. Don’t wait in root canal pain. Our highly-skilled and professional team will take care of you every step along the way to a smile that’s as healthy as it is beautiful.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Below, you will find some possible symptoms that could indicate you need a root canal.
- Abscess on gums
- Toothaches or pain
- Tender, inflamed, or red gums
- Discoloration of the infected tooth
Frequently Asked Questions
Would a tooth extraction be a better alternative to a root canal?
If a root canal is recommended, it’s usually the last treatment option available to save a tooth before it must be extracted, and we usually recommend root canals over tooth extraction whenever possible for a few reasons. Dental extractions are more invasive than root canal treatments, and they require a dental restoration of some kind to take the place of the extracted tooth. Not only does this mean more recovery time for the patient, but it’s usually more costly as well. Of course, we always discuss treatment plans with patients beforehand to help them decide what will be best for them.
What do I need to do after a root canal?
After your root canal treatment, you are free to resume your daily activities, like going back to work or school. However, it’s a good idea to try to take it easy and make sure you won’t be doing anything that will put stress on the tooth for several days afterward. We recommend eating soft foods and using the other side of your mouth to chew if possible. You will also want to keep up with your regular oral care routine as usual, and if you experience any pain or discomfort you can always use an ice pack or take over-the-counter pain medication.
What happens if I don’t get a root canal?
It can be tempting to put off a root canal procedure, but letting an infected tooth go untreated for a long time can have negative consequences. A tooth that needs a root canal may start to show symptoms or worse symptoms, like unbearable pain, sudden sensitivity, swelling, or a change in the color of the tooth or gums. Tooth infections cannot heal on their own, and an untreated infection could lead to a dental extraction being required. If that doesn’t happen, the infection could spread to other areas of the mouth and neck, causing serious problems. The best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with our team at your earliest convenience to get your root canal taken care of as soon as possible.
Root Canal Cost
This is one procedure you won’t want to put off due to financial issues. We’ve made it easier than ever before to fit root canal therapy or whatever other restorative services (such as a tooth extraction, crowns, bridges, and more) you made need into practically any budget. Visit our financial page to learn more.