What to expect
Root canal therapy has the capacity to rescue a severely infected or decayed tooth. When our assessment determines a root canal treatment is needed, your comfort and tranquility take precedence in our concerns. We offer a broad suite of options to manage any potential discomfort, and our primary goal is to ensure you feel relaxed about the upcoming procedure.
Dr. Moronto, based in Anderson Mill, brings a standard of care to root canal therapy that prioritizes your comfort throughout the process, making it as simple and stress-free as possible. We aim to promote healthier smiles, instilling confidence with every procedure.
INDICATORS YOU MIGHT NEED A ROOT CANAL
- Sudden pain that arrives without any related food or drink
- Night-time discomfort that disrupts your sleep
- A toothache that amplifies with pressure or during meals
- Noticeable darkening or change in tooth color
- Regular occurrences of gum swelling
- Sensitivity or tenderness in the gums
- Extreme reactions to hot or cold temperatures
Your Visit
For many patients, a root canal can be carried out in just one visit. We ensure the tooth and the surrounding area are fully anesthetized before the procedure, to keep you comfortable. Once done, we recommend fitting a porcelain crown to protect the treated tooth from any possible fractures.
During Your Root Canal
Upon achieving full anesthesia, the procedure could take one or two appointments, based on the health of your tooth's pulp tissue. If your tooth is severely infected, we may apply a medication to the canals for a week or two before the full procedure to cleanse the area thoroughly. To maintain sterility between treatments, a temporary filling will be employed. With this, we also reduce the tooth's height to ensure its integration into your bite without causing discomfort.
After Your Root Canal
You may feel some residual pain for a couple of days after the procedure. It's advised to refrain from chewing on the treated side of your mouth until the tenderness subsides. Dr. Moronto will then prescribe a final treatment to restore the tooth fully. It's crucial to remember that teeth with root canals are more likely to fracture, as they have been through a significant procedure.
FAQs
Why would I need a root canal?
A tooth that needs a root canal cannot heal itself. The infected area inside the tooth will worsen if not treated. Even without pain, you should still receive dental treatment for an infected tooth.
Why not just extract an infected tooth instead of receiving a root canal?
Receiving a root canal effectively treats a tooth infection while preserving your natural tooth. This saves your tooth and diminishes your need for bridges, dentures, and dental implants.
How long does a root canal last?
Root canals typically last a lifetime.
Are root canals painful?
Because of the local anesthesia your dentist uses, you will not feel any pain during your root canal procedure. Treating the infection will reduce the pain you felt prior to treatment.
What are the consequences of delaying getting root canal treatment?
Delaying your treatment can result in further dental complications, including tooth loss, heightened infection, and acute abscess.