Have you been experiencing tooth pain? A quick trip to the dentist should be able to uncover the root (pun intended) of the problem. If a root canal treatment is in order, do not worry – it is not nearly as scary as it sounds!

To help appease your concerns, here is a simple guide towards what to expect.

What is a Root Canal?

Human teeth are made up of a hard enamel layer on the outside, a second layer known as dentin, and a soft pulpy dental core with roots that reach the jawbone. That dental core consists of blood vessels, nerves and tissues can become infected or inflamed due to decay.
To salvage the tooth, dentists will commonly prescribe root canal treatment – which involves cleaning out the decayed part of the pulpy core. This prevents the problem from getting worse – and saves your tooth!

The Procedure Explained

So what should I expect from the procedure? It usually encompasses 4 simple steps that can be completed over 2 trips to the dentist:

  • Local anaesthesia will usually be used to numb the tooth. An opening will be made in the crown of the tooth to give access into the core.
  • Your dentist can now reach in with precise tools to clean the infected or inflamed tooth pulp chambers.
  • Disinfectant will be applied to help kill any other bacteria in the chamber to prevent further infection
  • Lastly, your dentist fill up the empty roots and place a crown over the opening to restore the tooth outer layer.

Trust us, it is not nearly as scary or painful as people think! Thanks to the anesthesia, there is little to no pain during the process itself! In fact, you can think of it as a more extensive tooth filling procedure.

When Do You Need One? Common Symptoms

The only way you can know for sure is to visit your dentist for a regular check-up!
However, there are several common symptoms you can look out for – head to the dentist as soon as you observe these signs!

  • Constant tooth pain – if the pain keeps coming back, make sure you get it checked out immediately. Apart from an infected or inflamed root, you could have other dental issues that require prompt treatment
  • Swelling in the gums – The infection in the pulp could cause tenderness and swelling in the areas around the affected tooth
  • Extreme sensitivity – Do you get this tingling pain or ache when you drink cold beverages or eat warm food? The sensitive reaction could be due to the infected nerves in your tooth’s core

Treat Your Root Canal Problems as Early as Possible

Like any other dental procedure, the sooner the tooth is treated, the sooner you regain your natural smile! So, if you feel like you have any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with us at Northside Dental Co. as soon as you can and you’ll be smiling again in no time!