When patients experience tooth infections or severely damaged decay, Colorado Springs dentists will often recommend root canal therapy to save the tooth. A root canal removes the contaminated or infected pulp from the tooth. Doing so allows patients to preserve their teeth, alleviate pain, and avoid reinfection. In the article below, Dr. Cody Boals and Dr. Alexa Johnson answer root canal treatment FAQ in honor of Root Canal Awareness Week! We hope this helps you better understand root canal therapy.
What Are The Signs of a Root Canal?
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums/around the tooth
- Tooth or gum discoloration
- Sensitivity to hot/cold drinks
- Severe tooth pain, especially when applying pressure or chewing
What Is The Root Canal Treatment Process?
Root canal therapy is similar to a regular filling and can often be performed in one or two appointments. Of course, it depends on the severity of the tooth infection and decay. Root canal therapy starts by numbing the surrounding gums as well as administering local anesthesia. Dr. Boals or Dr. Johnson will numb the tooth before drilling a small hole in the top of the tooth to expose the dental pulp. To ensure that the infection is cleared and avoid reinfection, the pulp will be washed out, and the interior of the tooth will be covered with an antibiotic. To fill and seal the tooth, a sealer paste or other synthetic material will be used. A temporary filling and sealant will follow this.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
Patients who haven’t undergone root canal therapy may feel uneasy about starting treatment. Luckily, root canals are completely painless. At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we offer local anesthesia and sedation dentistry for residents in Colorado Springs. After getting root canal treatment, you may feel numb for a few hours. Our friends at College Hill Dental Group, a dental office in Easton, PA, say that most patients can return to daily activities without any problems. So, if the dentist or endodontist suggests a permanent filling or crown for the tooth, a second appointment may be needed.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is important for saving natural teeth. If damaged teeth are left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the body. Patients who undergo root canal therapy will preserve their natural appearance and restore their tooth’s original functionality. Additionally, it also protects other teeth from more wear or tear, lowering the likelihood that you will need further restorative dental work in the future.
What Exactly Is A Root Canal In An Emergency?
An emergency root canal is similar to a scheduled or expected root canal in that they all result from the same cause—inflamed or infected tooth. However, many patients visit our dental office because they require emergency dental care in Colorado Springs. The procedure has most likely become the infection has gone on for too long. If you have any of the signs of a tooth infection, please contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry immediately. Our team will do everything we can to get you smiling again.