What to Expect During a Root Canal Treatment
Are you dreading an upcoming root canal treatment? Thanks to advances in dental technology, techniques, and anesthetics, the endodontic treatment is now relatively comfortable, saving a damaged tooth and relieving your pain rather than causing it. Dr. Nallasamy and her patient-centered team at Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry never spare any effort to ensure you are comfortable as you receive the outstanding care you deserve.
What Is a Root Canal Treatment?
Inside every tooth is the inner pulp, which houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Deep decay, tooth cracks or fractures, trauma, or repeated dental procedures can lead to tooth pulp damage, requiring root canal therapy. The procedure involves removing the diseased pulp tissues and sealing the space to prevent reinfection.
Neglecting to get a needed root canal procedure can lead to complications, including severe pain, an abscess, bone loss around the tooth’s roots, and even tooth loss. The only alternative to root canal therapy is to have the affected tooth extracted and replaced with an implant, bridge, or partial denture, which is always our last resort.
What Are the Warning Signs of Tooth Pulp Damage Requiring a Root Canal Treatment?
Warning signs of tooth pulp damage may include the following:
- Persistent pain that can get worse if you chew or place pressure on the affected tooth
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, which lingers even after the source of temperature is gone
- Swelling or tenderness of the gum tissues around the affected tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums, which can result from the infection progressing and causing a small pocket of pus to form around the infected tooth’s root
- A noticeable darkening or discoloration of a tooth, often appearing gray, brown, or black.
- An unpleasant mouth odor or a bad taste in your mouth
What Can You Expect During Your Root Canal Treatment?
We will evaluate the affected tooth and may capture images using digital X-ray technology to assess the extent of the damage. Next, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
Once you’re ready, we will create a tiny opening in the affected tooth’s crown to access and remove the diseased pulp tissues. Next, we will clean and reshape the area and then fill it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal the root canals and prevent reinfection. The last step is placing a filling.
After your root canal, the tooth can become brittle and susceptible to fracture, which is why we typically place a dental crown over it for protection. With proper oral hygiene practices and twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings, the root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime!
Root Canal Therapy Near Me in Gurnee, IL
Contact Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry to learn more about our comfortable and anxiety-free root canal treatments. Dr. Nallasamy and her dedicated team are committed to providing the best possible patient experience. We invite you to call our office at 847-356-2336 to schedule your appointment or book one online today.