An infection located in the pulp, or inside, of the tooth must be removed with root canal therapy. This type of procedure is meant to save an infected tooth because if left untreated, the tooth will need to be extracted. Commonly, root canal therapy is thought to be painful but in fact, it is actually a pain-relieving treatment.
When Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Treatment of this kind is designed to get rid of bacteria that is present in the . Removing this bacteria prevents reinfection of the tooth and saves the natural tooth from extraction.
It’s fairly easy to tell when you may be in need of root canal therapy. Symptoms are often painful and or obvious enough to signal that something is wrong. If you notice anything out of the ordinary with your teeth or gums, please call our office as soon as you are able so we can closely examine the area.
A few signs that you might need root canal therapy include:
- Pimples on the gums
- Severe pain when chewing or biting
- A tooth that is chipped or cracked
- Lasting sensitivity to hot or cold even after the cause has been removed
- Swollen or tender gums
- Darkening of the gums or deep decay
What You Can Expect
Above all else, you do not have to worry about this procedure being painful. Each patient receives anesthesia before the process begins so that you are comfortable throughout treatment. However, you may feel a little soreness in the area for a day or so but over-the-counter pain medication should help.
The procedure itself is often completed in three main steps:
- The inside of the root canal is cleaned by our dentist and any diseased or dead pulp tissue is removed through a small access hole made on the surface of the tooth.
- The hollow area is cleaned, shaped, and decontaminated using tools and irrigation solutions. The tooth is then filled with a rubber-like material and an adhesive cement is used to seal the canals.
- A tooth without pulp is fragile and can become brittle over time. To offer needed protection, a crown or filling may be applied by our dentist.
Relieve Pain Today
Root canal treatment is nothing to fear. Going through with the procedure can save your tooth and in many instances, help you to avoid extraction. Nervous feelings are entirely normal, our emergency dentist in Washington, MI, will guide you through the process. Contact us online or call Washington Family Dental at (586) 752-4545 to schedule a visit.