Woman Smiling in Dental Office

4 Things to Know About Root Canals

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What do you know about root canals? If your dentist has told you that you need one, you probably have questions.

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions that patients ask when they find out that they need a root canal in Beavercreek, OH. At Keep Smiling Dental, we provide root canal therapy for needy people.

1. What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is an emergency procedure that removes infection from the soft pulp inside the tooth. To perform the root canal, the dentist starts by drilling into the tooth and removing the infected material. Then, the dentist cleans the area and seals the tooth. Finally, the dentist puts a crown on the remaining tooth enamel to prevent it from cracking.

2. Are Root Canals Painful?

Root canals aren’t usually painful because the dentist numbs the area before starting the procedure. However, you may feel pain before the procedure begins because root canals are usually performed when there’s an infection that can cause severe pain and discomfort.

3. How Can You Tell If You Have a Tooth Infection?

If you have a tooth infection, you may feel pain and swelling around the tooth. You may also notice discoloration of the tooth enamel, and you may have bad breath that you can’t get rid of by brushing your teeth. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your dentist to get help immediately.

4. Can I Put Off My Root Canal?

Don’t put off a root canal! If you need one, get it done as soon as possible. A root canal can help stop the spread of infection in your mouth and may even save your tooth. Contact your dentist in Beavercreek, OH, to learn more about root canals.

Recovering From a Root Canal

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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.

Why You Shouldn’t Put Off a Root Canal

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There are a lot of ways for people to react to a troubled tooth, and not all of them are based on the doctor’s recommendations. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to reassess your strategy. For some people, a root canal in Beavercreek, OH is the only option to ending a toothache. However, depending on the severity of the pain, some patients will delay having the procedure. We’ll look at why this isn’t recommended and a few tips to inspire you to take action.

Prevent Tooth Loss

This is the top reason to have a root canal. Pulling a tooth will either mean leaving a gap or requiring an artificial tooth. While implants and bridges are viable options, keeping your natural tooth is always preferred. A reputable dentist can tell you more about how your root canal will go, but the basic steps will be to clear out the pulp of the tooth and then replace it with a biocompatible material. It’s simpler than you might expect and straightforward enough that complications are fortunately rare.

The Right Dentist in Beavercreek Can Help

At Keep Smiling Dental, we can tell you that choosing the endodontist is the most important part of the root canal process. The right professional will have enough experience to get you through each step, no matter how nervous you are about it. Remind yourself that root canals are the key to keeping your mouth intact!

Once the root canal is done, your next course of action should be to find a preventative dentist that can help you avoid needing another root canal in the first place. If you’re looking for a general dentist in Beavercreek, OH, Keep Smiling Dental can help you set regular appointments for cleanings, exams, and restoration services.

What’s a Root Canal? How Will I Know If I Need One?

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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.

3 Signs You Could Benefit from a Root Canal

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Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity can be more than a minor inconvenience—it might signal that your oral health needs serious attention.

At Keep Smiling Dental of Beavercreek, OH, we proudly serve the local community and beyond with premium dental care services by turning more difficult procedures into a standard visit to your oral health professional. Let us help you keep more of your smile with our gentle but precise root canal treatment.

What is a Root Canal?

A Root Canal saves your damaged tooth by removing the pulp, the soft tissue located at the center of your tooth. We then disinfect, clean, and seal the chamber – helping you preserve the dental structure while preventing further infection.

Benefits of a Root Canal

A Root Canal has been previously considered a severe and complicated procedure, but it has become highly ordinary and gentle on your schedule, body, and immediate health. Here are the top three benefits of a root canal procedure with our team:

Persistent and Severe Pain

The intensity of the pain can vary, but if it is consistent and unrelenting, it may indicate that the nerve inside the tooth is damaged or infected.

Extraordinary Sensitivity to Temperatures

If you experience a sharp, lingering pain when you consume something hot or cold, this is a huge indicator that you require immediate attention.

Swelling and Tenderness

Run your tongue and fingers around your gums. Are they tender? Can you find swelling? Bumps? This is a clear sign that it’s time to come in for a check-up, just to be sure.

Your Local Trusted Dental Care Expert

If you experience persistent tooth pain or sensitivity or notice any swelling or tenderness in your gums, it’s important to consult us as soon as possible. During your next appointment with the trained team at Keep Smiling Dental of Beavercreek, OH, you can rest assured that you will receive the proper care and guidance you and your family deserve.