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Endodontics

Root Canals

If you need a root canal, you might experience several symptoms that indicate the pulp inside your tooth is infected or damaged. Persistent pain is a common sign, often felt deep in the tooth and sometimes radiating to your jaw, face, or other teeth. This pain can be constant and unrelenting. Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks is another symptom; if you feel sharp pain that lingers even after you’ve finished eating or drinking, it could be due to nerve damage in the tooth. Additionally, a tooth that becomes discolored, usually turning grayish or dark, may indicate that the pulp is dying or already dead. Swollen and tender gums, or a recurring pimple on the gums near the affected tooth, can also signal an infection. Lastly, if you experience pain when chewing or touching the tooth, it could be a sign that the tooth’s nerve is compromised. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist promptly to determine if a root canal is necessary.

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What Are Root Canals?
 

  • Once a cavity penetrates into to the dentin, it is a matter of time for it to reach the pulp. You may not feel the cavity, but once it reaches the pulp, you will know.
     

  • A root canal is a dental procedure that treats infections in the tooth pulp, which is the innermost layer of your teeth.
     

  • The procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the area, and filling it with a rubber-like material.
     

  • Root canals are typically performed by endodontists or dentists and are painless treatments.
     

  • You can avoid needing a root canal by brushing your teeth after meals, flossing daily, and having regular dental checkups. If you have an infected tooth, you may need root canal treatment to clear out the infection.

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How Is It Performed?

  1. Before beginning treatment, your dentist or endodontist will take dental X-rays of the affected tooth to determine if your tooth pulp is dead, infected, or inflamed
     

  2. They may do other tests to confirm that you’ll need a root canal, such as gently tapping on your tooth or touching it with a cold or hot substance to check for sensitivity or discomfort
     

  3. The dentist will then numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic
     

  4. Next, they will create an opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber
     

  5. The infected pulp is then removed, and the area is cleaned and disinfected
     

  6. The dentist will then fill the area with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha
     

  7. Finally, the tooth is sealed with a filling or crown

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