Used to repair and take care of teeth that have become infected, root canal also help eliminate discomfort and other troublesome symptoms attributed to tooth decay. Many patients fear root canals because they believe they will be painful. However, it is the discomfort leading up to the treatment that’s been said to be more uncomfortable. At DentalWorks – Durham, we utilize modern dental solutions to help improve or restore a patient’s oral health with procedures such as a root canal.
CAUSES OF ROOT CANAL ISSUES
Untreated dental cavities allow bacteria to shift into the center portion of the tooth, at which point it can lead to infection in the pulp, also known as the soft tissue located within the middle of a tooth. A tooth’s pulp can become inflamed, irritated, or infected due to large fillings, cracked or chipped teeth, trauma to the face, repeated dental procedures on a single tooth, or severe decay. This pulp contains connective tissue, nerve cells, and blood vessels that cause pain to signal a problem in the tooth. While pain may eventually go away, an infection will not. This can lead to a dental abscess that may cause health problems throughout your body. Ultimately, any opening in the enamel coating gives bacteria the opportunity to access this pulp. When someone feels any type of tooth pain, it’s important to visit our professional team at our Durham, NC facility for immediate dental care.
SIGNS YOU NEED A ROOT CANAL
Many factors can lead to the requirement for a root canal treatment. Some of the most common symptoms signaling a dental problem may include tooth discoloration, sensitivity to changes in temperature, or severe tooth pain when applying pressure or chewing. Additional concerns could also consist of tenderness or swelling of the gums or a persistent, recurring pimple or sore right along the gumline. While these are signs that a root canal may be required, in some cases, there are no symptoms at all. This makes it increasingly important to have regular dental examinations and cleanings to ensure your oral health is always at its best.
HOW LONG DOES A ROOT CANAL TAKE?
Ahead of conducting a root canal procedure, the degree of your present infection will be carefully assessed. At DentalWorks – Durham, we take great care to provide a professional and comfortable dental experience. This means there is no timer set on our dental procedures. We will take the proper time to perform every root canal treatment successfully. An x-ray shows our dentist whether or not a root canal is required. When it is determined a patient needs a root canal, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then our dentist will make an opening on the crown of the tooth. Small instruments are used to clean the infected pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals thoroughly. From there, we shape the space for the filling material, called gutta-percha. This material is placed with an adhesive cement to make sure that the root canals are completely sealed off so no other bacteria can enter the tooth. A temporary filling is placed in order to close the opening. A crown or other dental restoration is used in order to restore the tooth functionally.
IS A ROOT CANAL PAINFUL?
In most cases, root canal therapy stimulates no more pain than that of a standard filling. The pain leading up to visiting our office in Durham, NC is oftentimes much more severe than any felt during or after a root canal. A root canal generally relieves any pain.
IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO ROOT CANAL THERAPY?
As an alternative to having a root canal, a great deal of patients choose to have the tooth removed. However, at DentalWorks – Durham, we believe it’s better to save a tooth. We have a high success rate with this treatment option, and saving the tooth can prevent other problems, such as teeth shifting or loss of jawbone in the future. The best way to avoid root canal treatment is to keep your teeth decay-free with regular brushing and flossing.
RESTORE YOUR ORAL HEALTH WITH A ROOT CANAL
In the event that you’re feeling tenderness, discomfort, or inflammation in the gums or a tooth, it’s necessary to make an appointment at DentalWorks – Durham for a complete dental examination. Our team offers modern dental solutions that keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Routine dental care allows you to feel your best and to prevent the need for a root canal and other dental procedures. Make an appointment today with our skilled professionals in Durham, NC to resolve your tooth pain.
The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and provides nourishment for the tooth. It can become infected and require the need for a root canal if you have:
A large or deep cavity (tooth decay)
Repeated dental procedures that disturb gum tissue and cause swelling around the tooth or teeth
A broken, cracked, or fractured tooth
Injury or trauma to the tooth
