Root Canals
Safe, Pain-Free Root Canals
If you have extensive tooth decay and an infection that has reached the tooth root or dental pulp, it’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible. When infection has progressed that far, a root canal is the only alternative to a tooth extraction. Acting quickly can save your tooth and protect your health. At Walnut Creek Dental, we do everything possible to ensure you have a safe, comfortable experience in our office. Our root canal procedures are performed under sedation to guarantee that the process is pain-free. If you’re experiencing symptoms of tooth infection, call now to schedule a consultation for a root canal in Millersburg, OH.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a surgical dental procedure used to save your teeth from root canal infection. It is necessary when tooth decay progresses so far that it causes an infection deep within your dental pulp. To save your tooth, the root canal process includes drilling a small hole to access the infected dental pulp. Your dentist will then clean out all infected tissue and pulp, sanitize the interior of your tooth, and seal it to prevent further infection or damage. After a root canal, you may also need restorative dentistry services like placement of a dental crown to strengthen your tooth and prevent cracks or chips.
Signs You Might Need Root Canal Treatment
You need a root canal if you have a severe infection that is causing damage to your dental pulp, or the nerves and blood vessels within your tooth. Some common root canal symptoms are:
- Severe, persistent, and throbbing tooth pain
- Pain that prevents you from sleeping, eating, working, or going to school
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling, tenderness, or bleeding of the gums
- Tooth discoloration
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- A loose tooth
- Tooth pain that radiates to your jaw, ear, or head
- Bad breath
- Pus or discharge from your tooth
- Swelling of the face, cheeks, jaw, or neck
- Fever
What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure
Before you undergo a root canal, we will do a thorough dental exam. We will take dental x-rays and discuss your symptoms, oral hygiene routine, health history, and lifestyle. We will evaluate the extent of your decay, infection, or tooth damage and determine if you are a good candidate for root canal therapy. We will then fully explain how we can save your tooth through the root canal process. The root canal procedure is straightforward and has very little risk of complications or negative side effects. The process includes:
- Administration of general anesthesia
- Application of an anesthetic to numb the area
- Making a small incision in the gums to access the tooth
- Drilling a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp chamber
- Using specialized tools to remove all infected pulp and debris
- Cleaning and sanitizing the root canals and tooth
- Inserting a dental filling material to seal the canals and the hole
- Placing a temporary dental filling or crown to protect the tooth
Preparing for the Root Canal Recovery Process
Most people do not experience any major complications or discomfort after undergoing a root canal. You may have mild swelling, pain, tenderness, and bleeding after the procedure. These symptoms should go away in a few days. We recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers, using warm compresses or ice packs, eating soft foods, avoiding strenuous activity, and keeping your head elevated to minimize discomfort. You will also have to follow a special diet for a few days and schedule a follow-up appointment. We will assess your healing and place your permanent filling or crown.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
When you have a deep, severe tooth infection or decay, a root canal is the only option for saving your tooth. It can prevent the need for a tooth extraction, relieve pain and infection, and restore the health and structure of your tooth. The biggest benefits of a root canal are:
- Alleviates pain and discomfort
- Saves your natural tooth
- Prevents the spread of infection
- Reduces your risk of secondary complications associated with infection
- Restores the structure and function of your tooth
Why Choose Walnut Creek Dental
Our compassionate, experienced dental professionals at Walnut Creek Dental perform root canals with minimal discomfort. Our main goal is always to ensure you’re comfortable with the steps being taken to protect your dental health. We’ll ensure we use proper anesthetic techniques and take every measure to make sure you are comfortable and pain-free. In addition to root canal therapy, we offer a range of other general dentistry services aimed to educate, prevent dental issues, and maintain the beauty and health of your teeth and gums. We also offer cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures that address common dental concerns.
Call Now to Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation
If you are experiencing severe, persistent tooth pain or signs of an infection, you may need a root canal to treat the affected tooth and restore your oral health. Delaying dental treatment could result in more serious issues that affect your overall health. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a dental exam and consultation, and we can determine if you need to undergo a root canal in Millersburg, OH.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
How long does a root canal take?
Every patient is different, but in general, a root canal can take between 30 and 90 minutes.
Is a tooth infection a dental emergency?
Yes, a tooth infection requires emergency dental care. It occurs when dangerous bacteria enter the pulp or the soft tissue inside your tooth. It can cause pain, inflammation, swelling, and infection, which can spread without proper treatment.
What happens if I don’t treat a tooth infection?
If you don’t treat a tooth infection, you risk a dental abscess, the spread of the infection to your tissues, gums, jawbone, and bloodstream, which can threaten the health of your other organs and increase the risk of heart problems, a blood clot, or a stroke.
What are my alternatives to a root canal?
Typically, the only alternative to a root canal is removing your tooth and replacing it with a prosthetic. However, if we catch an infection in the very earliest stages, we may be able to perform a pulpectomy.