Alleviate Pain and Infection with Root Canal Therapy
When Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?
When the pulp (the inner tissue of a tooth) becomes infected due to advanced decay or trauma, it requires prompt treatment. If left untreated, the bacteria can spread to adjacent teeth and surrounding bone, causing further issues.
If you are experiencing a toothache or other symptoms of a dental infection, contact us right away, and we will schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Common indications of a dental infection include:
- Pain or tenderness
- Discomfort when chewing
- Temperature sensitivity
- Drainage or pus
- Tooth discoloration
- Bad breath
- Swelling in the lymph nodes
It must be noted that dental infections do not always present symptoms. Routine dental examinations can allow us to monitor your oral health and provide prompt treatment.
Root Canal Therapy Process
A root canal treatment typically involves six fundamental steps:
- Assessment: During a consultation, Dr. Dovgan will examine the tooth, closely evaluating the surrounding gum tissue. X-rays will be taken to properly diagnose the problem and assess the roots and underlying bone structure.
- Anesthesia: If Dr. Dovgan determines that root canal therapy is necessary, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues for your comfort.
- Access: A small opening will be made in the tooth to allow access to the pulp chamber and root canals.
- Cleaning: The pulp will be removed. Dr. Dovgan will clean the chamber and root canals of the tooth using tiny instruments, and will then disinfect the inner surfaces.
- Filling: Once the inside surfaces of the tooth are cleaned, the root canals will be filled with a flexible biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Your dentist may also place a post within the tooth to provide the filling with added support. Your tooth will then be sealed.
- Crown: A dental crown will be placed over the tooth for support and aesthetics. Because we have CEREC® technology, we can often provide a custom crown immediately following a root canal, eliminating the need for a temporary crown or follow-up appointment.
Recovery From Root Canal Therapy
Following root canal therapy, you may experience slight tenderness or sensitivity. However, most patients report minimal pain during recovery. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can be taken to reduce swelling and discomfort. Pain usually subsides within a few days.
