Root Canals

No one looks forward to a root canal. We know that root canals have reputation for being a painful procedure, so we’re dedicated to making it as quick and as pleasant as possible.  A root canal, however unpleasant, is the best way to treat an infected tooth, which Left untreated can cause a number of very painful problems.

A qualified dentist may elect to perform a root canal when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. When this is the case, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection. The nerve is not vitally important for the health of the tooth, so adults can have the infected root removed without affecting the day-to-day function of the tooth.

The Root Canal Process

The process of a root canal involves drilling an access hole into the tooth. The pulp along with bacteria, the infected nerve tissue and related debris is removed from the tooth. A series of gradually increasing canal files are used to clean out the infected pulp on the inside of the tooth. That may not sound very pleasant but it’s the best way to save the infected tooth.

Most people say that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed, despite the bad reputation root canals have. Most people associate the pain and discomfort of the infected tooth with the procedure itself.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

So how do you know when you need a root canal? The most common symptom is pain. You probably need to visit the dentist if you’ve had a consistent toothache for any period of time. Other common symptoms regularly include pain when applying pressure to the tooth, extended sensitivity to heat or cold after the source is gone, discoloration of the tooth, and/or swelling or tenderness in the gums.

Proper dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are generally enough to prevent toothaches and infected teeth in most circumstances. Unfortunately, teeth can become infected even if we do all of those things. If you’re experiencing any kind of consistent tooth pain, come in and see us at Elite Smiles. We’ll be able to get to the bottom of your issue and give you relief from pain.