It’s common for people to cringe when they hear the term “root canal”; however, this procedure actually has many benefits. If your dentist recommends a root canal for treatment and you feel anxiety in the dentist’s chair or have a low tolerance for pain, talk with your dentist about the available options to help you cope with the procedure.
A Severe Toothache
If you feel pain deep in your tooth that often radiates to other parts of your face and comes and goes frequently for long periods of time, you could need a root canal. This is especially true if you experience pain while chewing or biting.
Extreme and Prolonged Sensitivity to Temperature
Occasionally, extreme food or drink temperatures may cause you to experience a twinge of discomfort. However, if that “twinge feeling” doesn’t pass quickly and is consistent, you should see a dentist for help. It may be a sign that you need a root canal treatment.
Tooth Discoloration
While teeth might not be as pearly white as you want them, a single tooth with severe discoloration or darkening could be a symptom of something more serious going on than simply drinking too much coffee or red wine.
Suppose you have constant pain and begin to notice a grayish-black coloring on your tooth. In that case, it’s usually the sign of dying dental pulp that needs to be taken out through a root canal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
Once the affected area is numbed, your dentist will make a small opening on the top (crown) of the tooth so they can reach the tooth’s pulp chamber and canal. Then, they will extract the diseased tissue and disinfect inside the tooth and the canal all the way to the root end. Once the area is clean, the canal is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. A temporary filling is placed over the access hole in the tooth.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
Root canals are typically done to relieve the pain caused by pulp inflammation or infection. Thanks to modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Your tooth may feel sensitive for the following few days, especially if you had pain or an infection before the root canal. Over-the-counter medications, such as Advil® or Tylenol®, are usually enough to manage this sensitivity.
Keep in mind that your tooth might feel slightly different from your other teeth for a while after your root canal. However, if you experience pain or pressure lasting more than a few days, call your dental provider.
Root Canals with The Smile Architects
Whenever possible, it’s typically best to save your natural tooth. A root canal gives you this opportunity, so you don’t have to worry about tooth replacement options. Let the dental professionals at The Smile Architects determine if you need a root canal and if you’re a candidate for one by calling 704-875-1621 today to schedule an appointment.