Do you have a persistent toothache that just won’t go away no matter how many painkillers you take? Are you experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks, or noticing swelling and tenderness in your gums?
If that’s the case, a root canal might be the best treatment option for you. Aside from the mentioned symptoms, there are other symptoms that indicate you need a root canal treatment in Pineville, NC, and Dr. Raynald L. Desameau, DMD, our Pineville dentist has listed them in this article.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged tissue inside a tooth. While it may sound intimidating, it’s a common and effective way to treat dental infections that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Common Symptoms That May Require a Root Canal Treatment
While having any one or several of the following symptoms means you likely need a root canal treatment, they are not conclusive. You should visit your dentist to determine the best way to effectively treat your oral condition. That said, here are some of the most typical signs that you may require a root canal:
Severe toothache
When a person needs a root canal, the most typical sign is extreme tooth pain. Biting down on the tooth or applying pressure might cause excruciating pain.
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Pain or discomfort while eating or drinking hot or cold foods might be an indication that the nerve within your tooth is injured or infected.
Gum swelling and tenderness
If a tooth is infected, the gums around that tooth may swell and become painful to the touch. Sometimes a lump or pimple may appear on the gums as well.
Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
An injured or infected tooth may change color due to pus collection, swollen gums, and impaired blood supply. This makes the teeth discolored and look different than the adjacent teeth.
Continuous bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
When swelling occurs and a boil/pimple forms on the gums, you may detect a foul odor or taste as the pus drains from the pimple. This signifies an infection in the mouth’s soft tissues, in which case the bad breath or unpleasant taste doesn’t go away with brushing.
Teeth shifting or loosening
An infected tooth may feel looser as a result of the pus from the infected pulp. This can soften the supporting tooth bone. The infected tooth can also transmit the infection to neighboring teeth, causing multiple teeth to shift or become loose.
Swollen jaws
Facial swelling is another typical sign of a dental infection. If you experience facial swelling or have trouble opening your mouth, it may be an indication of a serious infection that has gathered pus that is not draining from its site. This needs immediate dental care!
Stages of Root Canal Treatment in Pineville, NC
If you’re experiencing any of the common symptoms we’ve discussed, it’s important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. A root canal may be vital in saving your tooth and preventing the infection from spreading.
Understanding the process of getting a root canal can help ease any anxiety or uncertainty you may feel about the procedure.
So, let’s get into the specifics of getting a root canal in Pineville, NC, so you know what to expect.
Assessment and cleaning
Your dentist will begin by assessing the affected tooth to determine the extent of the damage. They may take X-rays or use other diagnostic tools to get a clear picture of the tooth’s structure.
Once they have a better idea of the situation, they will clean the area around the tooth to prevent any further infection. This cleaning may involve removing any decayed or damaged tissue and using an antimicrobial solution to kill any bacteria in the area.
Anesthesia inducement
Before the actual treatment begins, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. As a result, you won’t experience any discomfort during the procedure. If you’re feeling anxious about the treatment, your dentist may also offer sedation options to help you relax.
Dental dam placement
To keep the tooth isolated and dry during the procedure, your dentist will place a dental dam over the affected tooth. This thin sheet of rubber or vinyl isolates the tooth and keeps it free from any contaminants in your mouth.
Access hole drilled and pulp removed
The next step involves drilling a tiny hole into the tooth to allow the dentist access to the infected pulp. Once the pulp has been located, it will be carefully removed from the tooth using a series of specialized tools. The root canals will be cleaned and shaped to prepare for filling.
Filling the canals and sealing
Once the root canals are cleaned and shaped, your dentist will fill them with Gutta-Percha (a rubber-like material). The canals will be sealed to prevent any bacteria from entering the tooth. Your dentist may also give you a temporary filling to protect the tooth until the final restoration can be placed.
Placing of dental crowns
Finally, a dental crown will be placed over the treated tooth to protect it and restore its function. The crown will be customized to match your natural teeth so it will look and feel just like your other teeth.
This process is crucial because it helps safeguard the tooth from further harm and restores its normal function.
Benefits and Risks of Root Canal Procedures
It’s common to feel apprehensive about any dental procedure, but understanding the benefits and risks associated with root canal treatment can help you make an informed decision about your dental health.
Benefits of root canal procedures
Preserves natural teeth
Root canal treatment is a great way to keep a natural tooth from needing extraction. To prevent future infection, the tooth is cleaned and sealed after pulp removal. As a result, you can avoid having your healthy tooth pulled.
Pain relief
Imagine being able to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks without wincing in pain. A root canal treatment can do that for you. It will relieve the pain and discomfort of an infected or damaged tooth, allowing you to eat, drink, and smile.
Stopping infection from spreading to other teeth
Think of a root canal treatment as a barrier that stops your tooth infection from spreading. By removing the infected tissue and sealing the tooth, a root canal treatment helps to contain the infection and keep it from causing trouble elsewhere.
Reducing the risk of jawbone damage
An infected tooth left untreated can be dangerous for your jawbone. A root canal treatment removes the source of the infection and prevents further damage to the jawbone.
Improved oral health
When you get a root canal, it’s like giving your tooth a good scrub down. This procedure improves oral health by removing the infection-causing pulp and microorganisms.
Better appearance
A healthy smile is a beautiful one. Root canal treatment saves your natural tooth and restores its shape and function with a dental crown, improving your smile and confidence.
Risks of root canal procedure
Discomfort
After the procedure, you may experience some pain, swelling, and sensitivity. However, this discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and should subside within a few days.
Infection
This rare issue can occur if some of the infected material remains behind after the procedure. In such cases, this is usually detected, and your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Damage to tooth
Root canal therapy may damage the tooth, requiring additional surgery or extraction in rare cases. It happens mostly when the tooth is already damaged before treatment, and an incidental injury from the equipment worsens it.
Need for additional treatment
Just like in the instance above, some cases may require additional treatment, such as endodontic surgery or tooth extraction, which can be more complex and expensive.
Root Canal or Tooth Extraction: Which One is Better?
The severity of the dental issue should determine whether root canal treatment or tooth extraction is necessary. A root canal is usually better because it lets you keep your natural tooth and avoid tooth extraction.
Root canal treatment is a safe and effective procedure that has a high success rate for saving damaged or infected teeth. It also offers many other benefits, like pain relief and improved oral health.
Tooth extraction is a more invasive procedure that removes the tooth from the socket. It may be necessary if the tooth is severely damaged or decayed or there isn’t enough tooth structure to support a crown, but it can result in complications like jawbone loss, difficulty chewing, and shifting teeth.
Save Your Teeth Roots With Our Root Canal Procedure in Pineville
Don’t let that toothache dampen your spirits! Our root canal procedure in Pineville is here to save the day (and your tooth!).
Our experienced dental team is like a group of superheroes, ready to swoop in and save your tooth from the clutches of infection and decay.
We’ll guide you through every step of the process with care and expertise, using the latest techniques and technology to make your root canal as comfortable and effective as possible.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take control of your oral health and save your natural tooth with our root canal procedure in Pineville, NC.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile.
