Root Canals

What is a root canal?

A root canal is an effective procedure to remove the infected pulp of a tooth and replace it with a biocompatible material. A root canal saves the structure of your tooth, so your tooth maintains optimal appearance and functioning. 

The pulp is necessary for a tooth’s development and growth, and it contains nerves and blood vessels. However, after your tooth has fully matured, the pulp isn’t necessary for its integrity and it can be removed if it’s infected.

What are the symptoms that I might need a root canal?

Sometimes you won’t have any symptoms. During your regular checkup and cleaning, the infection of the pulp can be evident on an X-ray. Some of the signs or symptoms that you might need a root canal include: 

• Prolonged sensitivity to cold and hot
• Soreness when chewing or pressing on the tooth
• Tooth discoloration
• Pus drainage or an abscess in the area of an infected tooth

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s essential you contact Downtown Dental Studio to determine if a root canal is the right option to relieve your pain.

Does a root canal hurt?

Your dentist performs a root canal under local anesthesia, so you feel very little during your procedure. You might feel a little sensitive and sore in the area for a few days after your procedure and you can use over-the-counter pain medications to relieve any immediate discomfort. 

If the pain persists for more than a few days, contact the team at Downtown Dental Studio. A root canal should alleviate the pain you felt from the infected tooth after the healing process is complete.

What happens during a root canal?

Your dentist numbs the area around the affected tooth and makes a small hole in the tooth. Your dentist scrapes out all signs of infection and places a special dental solution inside to kill bacteria.

Your dentist adds gutta-percha, a rubbery material, to carefully fill in the area where the infected pulp was. To complete your root canal procedure, your dentist seals the site.

A root canal is typically fitted with a crown to protect the vulnerable site. A crown is typically derived from porcelain and matches the rest of your teeth. 

If you have questions or concerns about a root canal procedure, call Downtown Dental Studio or use the online scheduler.