What You Need To Know About Root Canals

So, you need a root canal. You've heard it was painful, and want to avoid it at all costs. But actually, root canals create no more painful than say, getting a cavity filled. Root canal procedures get a bad reputation; but in reality, they support oral health better than extraction and feel are a lot less painful than living with a painful infection.

Root canals are procedures used to help repair and remedy damage or infection at the center of the tooth (the pulp). The tooth’s pulp contains the nerves which explain the intensity of the pain. A root canal cleans and repairs the damaged, infected tooth. The final step is to cap the tooth for long-term protection. If the tooth is not treated, an abscess may form or even worse, result in tooth extraction.

Don’t ignore tooth pain that lasts for more than a few days. You may just have a small cavity now, but eventually that hole will get bigger and the bacteria eating away at your tooth will eventually break through to the pulp, infecting the soft pulp area and damaging roots. The need for root canals do not always equate to intense pain, only your dentist will be able to diagnose the problem. 

What are some signs that you need a root canal?

-          - Swelling and tenderness in the gums

-          - Painful toothaches with pressure or even chewing

-          - Considerably increased sensitivity in teeth to hot and cold temperature

-          - Discoloration in the tooth

-          - Pimples that keep appearing on the gums 

What happens during root canal therapy?

The dentist will first apply a numbing gel onto your gums. After the numbing gel is enacted, the dentist will inject an anesthetic that will numb the tooth and surrounding area.

The dentist will then drill into the tooth, drain and clean the pus filled infected area, and applies a medication to treat the area. The tooth is then capped to seal and protect it from future problems. .

If you have the signs of an infected tooth or are experiencing pain that lasts more than a few days, contact Jonson Dental Care to schedule an appointment.