In the event that your tooth becomes infected, a root canal is a procedure that your dentist will use to help save your tooth if it becomes infected. If you need a root canal, it’s important to visit your dentist in Beavercreek, OH as soon as possible!

Knowing the signs that you’re in need of a root canal can help. In this article, we’ll go over the symptoms to watch for. If you notice these symptoms, contact your dentist.

Signs You Need a Root Canal

If your tooth is infected, you may notice a few or all of the symptoms below. Here’s what you can expect:

• Severe tooth pain. Root canal is a procedure that patients get when their tooth has become infected. Severe tooth pain isn’t normal! If you experience it, get help right away.
• Swelling. In addition to severe tooth pain, you may also experience swelling in the area around the tooth.
• Bad breath that can’t be brushed away. If your breath smells bad, even after brushing your teeth, this may be a sign of an infection or dental decay. See your dentist!

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that eliminates infection in a tooth. To perform a root canal, the dentist will drill into your tooth and clear out the infected material. Next, the dentist will seal the tooth and put a crown on top.

If you’re experiencing the symptoms above and think you need a root canal, get help from a dentist. Call the professionals today at Keep Smiling Dental. We provide root canal therapy in Beavercreek, OH.

Your general dentistry team at Keep Smiling Dental in Beavercreek, OH, is prepared to answer all your questions about the pros and cons of a root canal or extraction of a specific tooth.

If you experience pain, we consider the various causes of infection that may point to the need for a root canal or an extraction. The goal, of course, is to reduce your discomfort and find the best possible solution to support oral health.

 

What Is a Root Canal?

In general, a root canal is a relatively straightforward way to clean and disinfect any infection in the pulpy interior of a tooth. The pulp is the soft interior of the tooth that carries the blood vessels and nerves. It can become infected if there is a chip or crack in the enamel, if a faulty crown has been installed, or from repeated dental procedures on the tooth.

If you experience pain in a specific tooth, the best way to save the tooth, treat the infection, eliminate your pain, and rule out the need to fill a gaping hole in your gum is likely to be a root canal.

Once the canal is cleaned and any infected tissue is removed, the canal will be refilled and sealed. Today, the procedure is relatively simple and painless, and you will be able to eat and chew normally in no time.

 

If Extraction Is Recommended

Depending on the variables of your case, we might recommend extracting the tooth as a better option. In cases when an existing tooth is severely compromised or if nearby teeth also show signs of decay or damage, it might be the best option to restore oral health.

However, extraction typically requires filling the space with a tooth implant or dental bridge to prevent other teeth from shifting and to restore normal chewing function.

However, extraction is always a more time-consuming and more expensive procedure. Extraction and succeeding repair work will require several appointments.

 

Let’s Discuss Your Options

If you’d like more information about crowns and bridges, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our professional team. As a family dental practice with an emphasis on restorative dentistry, we always have your best interests in mind.

Few people like to hear the news that they need a root canal in Beavercreek, OH. But in many cases, a root canal is the treatment that just may save a natural tooth. Many people’s anxiety about having a root canal is related to how long it takes to recover from it. Here’s what you need to understand about the root canal recovery process.

What is the Process of a Root Canal?

During a root canal, the dentist removes the tooth’s damaged pulp. The area is cleaned and disinfected, then filled with a dental agent and sealed. This treatment protects the rest of the root so that the tooth can thrive.

What to Expect After a Root Canal

The dentist will give you a numbing agent and possibly a mild sedative so that you can relax during the treatment. Afterward, the numbing agent may take a few hours to wear off. The mild sedative will wear off quite quickly, however. When the numbing agent begins to wear off, you may experience discomfort around the tooth that was treated. Usually, an over-the-counter pain reliever is sufficient to subside the pain. If not, you might combine the pain reliever with a heating pad or cool pad held against the cheek; whichever works best for you. Many people find that they need to take the rest of the day off work to recover from a root canal.

Eating and Drinking Immediately Afterward

Stick to soft foods and liquids for the first few days after your procedure. Avoid hot beverages and foods that are too cold, as your tooth may be sensitive to temperature changes. Also, avoid chewy, hard, or sticky foods that could disrupt the healing process.

If you have a root canal coming up and you have other questions about the procedure, please contact your Beavercreek, OH, dentist for answers to all your questions.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, you may be wondering about root canals and how this procedure can fix your tooth. As your dentist in Beaver Creek, OH, we’re happy to answer your questions. Here’s what to know.

What’s a root canal?

A root canal is an emergency procedure that a dentist uses to clean out a tooth that’s become infected. The dentist drills down to the soft pulp in the middle of the tooth, to the infection. Next, the dentist cleans out the infection and fills the tooth with sealant. Finally, a crown is placed on top of the tooth to protect it in the future.

Do root canals hurt?

Root canals should not hurt. However, having a tooth infection can hurt very much. This means the hours leading up to the procedure can be very painful. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, this is not normal. Talk to your dentist as soon as possible.

How will I know if I need a root canal?

If you have an infection in your tooth, you may notice extreme pain and swelling in the area, and you may feel a great deal of sensitivity as well. The only way to know for sure what’s happening in your tooth is to get a diagnosis and treatment from the dentist. Don’t hesitate to go to the dentist as soon as possible to find out why you’re experiencing pain, and get it taken care of.

How can I avoid getting a root canal?

The best way to take care of your teeth and avoid the problems that would lead to a root canal procedure in Beaver Creek, OH is to visit the dentist on a regular basis, and brush your teeth twice per day. Floss once daily.

Is it time to make an appointment with the dentist? Call Keep Smiling Dental to make an appointment.