Relieve Tooth Pain with Root Canals

You may need a root canal if a cavity is deep enough to reach the pulp inside your tooth.

The dental pulp contains the nerve, connective tissue, and blood vessels. In other words, it’s the part of your tooth that’s alive. The pulp is the innermost chamber of your tooth. Once it’s infected, we can either extract the abscessed tooth or perform a root canal.

Without a root canal, the tooth will die and you’ll risk having the infection spread throughout your body. If the infection enters your bloodstream, it could trigger a life-threatening condition called sepsis. This is why it’s important to call our dental office at the first twinge of pain. Only a dentist will be able to diagnose and treat the source of the problem.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

You may need a root canal if you have a cavity that’s severe enough to go through the first two layers of your tooth, first the enamel and second the dentin, then make it into the pulp which is where the blood vessels and nerves are.

If you do have advanced tooth decay and an infected root canal, you may have a dental abscess which is a buildup of pus that can cause

• Pain while chewing
• Immense toothache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Difficulty Swallowing

One sign you may have a dental abscess is if you see a pimple protruding from your gums. The abscess may burst, in which case you’ll likely feel some pain relief, but you still need to see a dentist as soon as possible because now the bacteria can spread easier.

What to Expect During a Root Canal

First, we’ll need to diagnose the problem and determine the extent of the damage.

When you arrive for your appointment, we’ll examine the inside of your mouth and take X-rays to get a better look at what’s happening beneath the surface. If the dental pulp is infected, our dentists may recommend root canal therapy to save your tooth.

Next, we’ll need to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue so you don’t feel any pain. Our dentist will then isolate your tooth with a small rubber sheet called a dam. This will help keep your tooth clean and dry during the root canal procedure.

Once you’re numb and comfortable, we’ll drill a hole in the crown of your tooth. Your dentist will then use tiny instruments to remove the infected pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. Next, they’ll shape the inside of your tooth, clean it, and fill it with a material called gutta-percha. This seals the root canals.

At Robinson Dental, we’re able to plan and place your dental crown in one appointment. This means that you won’t have to deal with the hassle of a temporary crown while you’re waiting for your tooth to be restored.

Instead, you’ll be able to leave our office with your new smile.

Alternatives to root canals

A pulpectomy is similar to a root canal, except there’s no permanent crown placed on the tooth. This procedure is generally only for children that have excessive tooth decay/trauma who haven’t had their permanent teeth come in yet. Another alternative is tooth extraction if your tooth is too severely decayed.