What You Need to Know About Root Canals

If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain at a very specific spot along your gums, you may be in need of a root canal. Don’t put off setting-up an appointment with your dentist if this is the case. Root canals are a relatively quick and pain-free procedure that will save your tooth and relieve you from pain.

The experts at Heroes Dental often see patients who are absolutely miserable because of pain from severely damaged or decaying teeth. While they come visiting us with a frown, they always leave our office with a smile. That’s because our dentists know exactly how to perform root canals and alleviate all  those painful symptoms you might be experiencing. Contact our Laredo, Mission, or San Juan office and let Heroes Dental save you from all that pain.

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If you’re unfamiliar with what a root canal is then read on to learn about the basic causes of a root canal and the types of treatments available to you.

What is a root canal?

If the term “root canal” conjures up images of an uncomfortable and invasive procedure with copious amounts of painful drilling, we can’t blame you. Root canals can get a bad rap when it comes to pain, but they really are a great solution to help repair and save your natural tooth.

A root canal is a treatment that repairs a damaged or infected tooth. It’s also known as endodontic therapy and is most commonly used to treat teeth that have become infected or inflamed at the pulp or nerve. A root canal involves removing the damaged or infected area then cleaning and disinfecting it. The drilled area is then filled and sealed. Voila – no more pain!

Do you need a root canal?

According to the Association of Endodontists, the most common symptom to warrant root canal treatment is tooth pain. The severity of the pain will vary, often depending on the time of day. Foods and beverages at extreme temperatures may cause tooth sensitivity at the site of infection or inflammation.

If you feel pain when you bite down on the tooth, or your gums feel tender or swollen near the problem tooth, this may also indicate the need for a root canal. You can apply a cold compress for temporary relief, but your best bet is to contact your dentist and explain the symptoms. They’ll likely recommend scheduling an appointment immediately.

Infection or inflammation of the dental pulp may warrant the need for a root canal. Common causes that may affect the center of your tooth, where the dental pulp is found, include a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or repeated trauma to a tooth.

What to expect during your root canal?

If you’ve been experiencing some tooth pain, and suspect a root canal may be what you need, consult your dentist for an appointment soon. You don’t want to let the infected or inflamed area spread and cause more problems.

The actual root canal procedure may take place over a few office visits. Your dentist will first want to take an x-ray of the affected area to locate the decay. If a less invasive procedure can resolve the problem, your dentist will explain your options.

In case a root canal is necessary, a local anesthesia will be used for the treatment; this is injected at the site of the affected tooth. Don’t expect too much pain! Much like a regular filling, a root canal is mostly painless.

Once the anesthesia kicks in, your dentist will begin to create an opening to remove the diseased pulp within the affected tooth. This part of the procedure is known as a pulpectomy.

To fill the tooth where the pulp was removed, the dentist will insert a rubber-like, thermoplastic material to prevent any future decay. A temporary filling may be placed until your next appointment.

Your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent infection and over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate any mild pain or discomfort that may arise. At your next appointment, your dentist will discuss options for a permanent restoration. This involves placement of a crown or filling to provide a complete seal at the top of the tooth.

How can you prevent the need for a root canal?

The need for a root canal can often be prevented. Because some of the primary causes of nerve and pulp damage is deep decay and repeated dental procedures on a single tooth, good dental hygiene is paramount. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Don’t skim on your routine dental visits as these may prevent any serious complications or spreading of tooth decay.

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Don’t delay any longer. Schedule your appointment with a trusted and experienced dentist that is close to home. Heroes Dental has locations in Laredo, Mission, and San Juan and offers a comprehensive list of services in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and orthodontics. You can rely on our team to appropriately diagnose the reason for your tooth pain and offer the best treatment option to suit your needs. Request an appointment today!