What Is a Root Canal?
Root canals are the hollow areas inside the roots of the teeth, where the nerves and blood supply are located. A root canal treatment is performed when trauma or infection damages the inner nerve of the tooth.
The nerve and pulp chamber are usually protected by healthy tooth structure. However, severe decay, deep cracks, and traumatic injuries can damage the pulp, causing severe pain and even leading to life-threatening infections in some cases.
We do root canal therapy when the damage to a tooth is severe enough that it might otherwise need to be removed. It’s a valuable treatment option that allows you to keep your tooth intact and avoid the problems that may follow a tooth extraction.
What Happens in a Root Canal Procedure?
During root canal therapy, your dentist or endodontist will ensure you’re completely comfortable by completely numbing the area before starting your procedure. At Moore, Pascarella & Heinzen, we offer a range of sedation dentistry and pain control options to provide stress-free, painless root canals in Redding and Red Bluff.
Once you’re comfortable, we’ll carefully create a small opening in the tooth to remove the damaged or infected tissue inside. Once the pulp has been fully cleaned out, we’ll seal the root canals with a durable material called gutta percha, which helps protect against future issues.
After the procedure, we’ll place a temporary restoration, usually a filling or crown, to protect the tooth while it stabilizes. This gives us time to ensure the treatment was successful and that no further care is needed. Once everything looks good, we’ll have you return to the office to place a permanent restoration.
Since teeth treated with root canals can become more fragile over time, we typically recommend adding extra protection. For molars and other back teeth, a dental crown is almost always necessary to provide strength and prevent cracks or fractures. Front teeth, on the other hand, might not require a full crown since they don’t endure as much chewing pressure. However, if discoloration occurs, we may recommend a crown or porcelain veneer to restore the tooth’s appearance.
Why Would Someone Need a Root Canal Procedure?
Root canal therapy may become necessary when the pulp chamber inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. Some of the reasons a dentist might recommend endodontic treatment include:
- Repeated dental procedures that have damaged the nerve of a tooth
- Deep tooth decay that has reached the pulp
- A faulty dental crown
- Deep cracks or large fractures that have exposed the nerve of the tooth
- Injuries to teeth that can result in damage to the nerve or pulp, even if no visible chips or cracks are present
- Any condition that has allowed bacteria to reach the pulp chamber
- Pulp that becomes chronically inflamed without an obvious cause
Signs You Need Endodontic Treatment
If you think you might have an infected or damaged tooth in need of a root canal, you should make a dental appointment to have it checked out. Some indicators that you may need a root canal or other dental work include:
- Sensitivity, especially to heat
- Constant or chronic tooth pain
- Random throbbing or aching
- Intense toothache that doesn’t get better with over-the-counter pain killers
- Pain when eating or chewing
- Tenderness to the touch
- Swollen gums
- History of trauma to the tooth, such as in a sports accident
- Swelling of local lymph nodes in the face or neck
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Severe tooth decay, cracks, or a broken tooth
- A “pimple-like” fistula (tooth abscess) on the gum tissue next to a tooth that has a lot of damage
It’s also possible that a tooth infection, nerve damage, or inflammation doesn’t result in these symptoms, but may be found during a routine check-up or other dental visit.
Is It OK to Avoid a Root Canal Procedure?
If pulp infection or inflammation is left untreated, it can lead to pain, abscesses, and can affect surrounding teeth and gums. In extreme cases, untreated dental infections can even become medical emergencies, so it’s important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Scheduling regular dentist appointments can also provide early intervention for symptoms or signs of infection.
The best way to diagnose if a root canal is necessary is through a professional dental examination and x-rays. A root canal treatment is the only method of treating infected pulp while preserving the natural tooth. Our experienced team will discuss all of your treatment options with you during your appointment.
Recovery from a Root Canal
After your root canal procedure, our team will send you home with specific aftercare and pain management instructions. As the numbing medication wears off, you may begin to feel some soreness and sensitivity around the treated tooth, and it is typically advised to avoid biting or chewing down on the treated tooth until after the final crown is placed and the tooth has been fully restored.
It’s important to continue brushing and flossing after your root canal treatment to keep the area clean and avoid further infection, and it can also help the healing process to avoid eating hard foods immediately afterward. If pain or swelling becomes worse or does not subside within a few days following your procedure, you can reach out to our office and we will advise you on next steps.
We Can Soothe Your Tooth Pain!
If you are experiencing tooth pain or feel you may need a root canal therapy, contact us today to schedule a consultation. At Moore and Pascarella, your comfort is our top priority. We pride ourselves on providing gentle root canal treatment in Redding and Red Bluff so you can say goodbye to tooth pain as quickly as possible. With comprehensive endodontic treatment and restoration options under one roof, we’ll make sure your root canal therapy is smooth and convenient!
