Root canals are known to have a bad rap. But did you know that root canals actually help you get out of pain?
Root canal therapy is a treatment option allowing patients to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed due to extensive decay and/or infection.
So what can be expected during a root canal?
You should expect to be numb and not feel any pain during the procedure, the same as if you were having a filling done. During the procedure, a small access hole is made into the tooth and the infected tissue is removed. Once this is done and the canal in center of the root(s) is sufficiently cleaned, a filling material is placed into the canal to block out bacteria from colonizing in the tooth. A tooth-colored filling is placed over the access.
Depending on how infected the tooth is, the procedure may be completed in one or more appointments. If infection is high, Dr. Hauswirth will place a medication into the canal(s) and allow this time to work before having the patient return to complete treatment.
In many cases, a crown will be recommended to protect the tooth following treatment. This is typically true when a root canal is completed on a back tooth, the tooth already had a large filling, or the tooth was severely decayed. If a root canal is planned for a tooth that already has a crown, it is often possible to complete treatment without removing or replacing the existing crown.
Common signs that you may need a root canal include:
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Spontaneous pain, even when not eating or drinking
- Severe sensitivity to hot or cold
- Sensitivity to biting pressure
- A pimple-like swelling next to the gums
- Darkening of a tooth
- Large decay
- Trauma or injury to a tooth, even if it occurred long ago
Dental pain is something we wished no one ever had to experience, but know we are here to help you find relief if you are in need of this kind of treatment.