ROOT CANAL SPECIALIST

Root Canal Q&A

What is a root canal?

Root canals eliminate bacteria from an infected tooth to save it and prevent reinfection. Your dentist opens the damaged or diseased tooth, removing the soft tissue along with the nerve. Then your provider cleans and disinfects the chamber of the tooth to ensure there are no more traces of infection.

Finally, the tooth is packed with a sterile synthetic filling and sealed to protect it.

Aren’t root canals painful?

Despite their painful reputation, root canals are far less painful than the infection that makes them necessary. Thanks to modern medical practices and advancements in dentistry, most people who undergo a root canal experience little to no pain.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Root canals are sometimes needed for a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, or an infection within the tooth. People needing root canals may find their first symptoms are sensitivity to heat and cold. Other symptoms include:

• Swollen or tender gums

• Darkening of gums

• Lingering sensitivity

• Severe pain while chewing or biting

Infinity Dental Group determines if a root canal is required through a visual examination and X-rays.

What if I choose not to get a root canal?

Root canals eliminate the spread of infection. Untreated infection can spread to other parts of the body with serious or even fatal consequences. If a painful tooth infection suddenly feels better without proper treatment, it may mean the tooth has died. If that is the case, the tooth will need to be extracted.

Tooth extractions leave a gap in your smile that can misalign your other teeth as they shift to fill the gap. Missing and poorly aligned teeth have further consequences, such as more infections and decay, trouble chewing, and gum disease.

What are the benefits of a root canal?

Choosing to save your natural tooth with a root canal provides you with many long-term advantages. After your mouth has fully recovered from the procedure, you can return to normal chewing, and biting. You will no longer struggle with pain, sensitivity, or darkening of the tooth.

Additionally, the surrounding teeth will be protected from excessive wear, strain, and alignment issues that may come from leaving the infected tooth untreated. Finally, the overall appearance of your smile will benefit from keeping your natural tooth, and you will save money and time by not needing additional dental treatments.

Root canals are no longer the scary procedure of the past. If your teeth are painful or damaged, call the office or schedule an appointment online at Infinity Dental Group today.