If you find yourself suffering from major pain, discomfort, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold or tenderness of the tooth, it may be possible you need a root canal. These symptoms arise when damage of some kind has been done to the pulp of a tooth, the soft tissue inside the root canal of a tooth. Damage may present itself due to any inflammation or infection of the tooth. In fact, this can be a result of many possible causes: repeated deep decay on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth and even an injury to the tooth damaging the pulp. If pulp damage is left untreated, pain may increase or lead to an abscess, a pus pocket caused by bacterial infection.
What can you do?
By visiting with a dentist as soon as possible, the dentist will be able to properly evaluate any problem teeth that are in the mouth. Radiographs, or X-rays can confirm what treatment may be needed. If the dentist recommends an emergency root canal be performed do not be alarmed.
What is a root canal?
A root canal procedure is a type of endodontic treatment that is meant to save and repair a tooth instead of extracting it if damage is prevalent to the pulp of the tooth. Typically, a root canal procedure can often be performed in just one appointment comfortably. Additionally, with a 95% success rate, you can be reassured that your root canal procedure will benefit your smile!
Root Canal Process:
- The first step to a root canal treatment is ensuring that the patient is comfortable and relaxed.
- The dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure that no pain will be felt during the root canal.
- A rubber dam, a safety device will be placed in the mouth covering the tooth that is receiving the root canal.
- The dentist will remove any bacteria from the tooth roots and medication may be added to the pulp chamber as well.
- A filling will be placed to “patch up” the tooth and an over-the-counter painkiller may be recommended following the procedure.
Contact Us
If you are currently suffering from prolonged sensitivity or discomfort of a tooth it may be possible that you need a root canal treatment. At Mile High Smiles , we offer emergency appointments and if an emergency root canal needs to be performed our staff will be certain to put your comfort first. At our Lakewood, Colorado office, we understand that the thought of a root canal may make some patients uneasy but it actually is a relatively quick process and pain-free with local anesthetic. Please give our office a call if you feel that you may need a root canal or dental evaluation, 303-232-1830.
