Save Your Smile with Root Canal Therapy
Although no one wants to receive news of a necessary tooth extraction, at times it can be the best thing for your smile. Extracting a severely infected tooth can save the surrounding teeth from infection. However, sometimes root canal therapy is helpful in saving a tooth from being extracted. A root canal is recommended when the tooth’s infection has spread to the pulp of the tooth.
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What To Expect During A Root Canal Treatment
Before the root canal begins, the area that will be treated is fully numbed. You shouldn’t experience any pain during a root canal, only pressure. Once the area is numbed, your dentist will remove any infection in the tooth. After the infection is removed, your tooth will be sealed by a filling or dental crown. Once treatment is complete, your smile will be restored and all pain from the infection should be gone.
The cost of a root canal can vary depending on which tooth is in need of treatment. A tooth has anywhere from one to three roots, so this changes the extent of treatment depending on how much work needs to be done. A consultation with your dentist will allow your tooth to be examined and then costs to be presented.
What are some signs that I may need a root canal?
Patients may have very few or no noticeable symptoms that indicate that they need a root canal treatment, which is why routine dental visits are always important. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, please contact our office so we can advise:
- Toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swollen gums around a tooth
- Tender gums
- Pain when chewing or biting down
- Unusual tooth discoloration
Are there any alternatives to root canals?
Once an infection has occurred inside a tooth, it is essential that the infected tissue be removed so that it does not spread to other parts of the mouth or body. The only alternative to root canal treatments is to extract teeth altogether, however, that is usually not necessary when the infection is caught early and can be taken care of right away. Dental crowns almost always need to be placed after a root canal as well to protect and support the tooth’s structure.
How painful are root canals?
Not only will your teeth and gums be numb during your treatment, but the injection of local anesthetic into the gums will also be easy and painless as well, thanks to DentalVibe®. Once the numbness begins to wear off, you may experience some soreness and discomfort, so we recommend keeping some over-the-counter pain medication on hand, or we can prescribe something for you as well.
Don’t put off a needed root canal! The spread of infection can lead to tooth loss or affect the surrounding teeth. Scheduling a root canal as soon as it is recommended is the best thing you can do to preserve your smile. Check out our blog for signs you may need a root canal. If you are in need of a root canal in Cook or Kane County, call us today to set up a consultation!
