We can repair your tooth at Yeates Family Dental
Many people continue to avoid going to the dentist’s office because they fear a root canal is needed to alleviate their tooth pain. Root canals have long been thought to be the worst experience you can have at a dental office. The truth is that modern-day root canal procedures are no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled. Dentistry has come a long way to improve comfort measures for clients, and if you do require a root canal, we’ll make sure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the entire procedure.
What is a Root Canal?
Having a root canal is a very routine procedure that is done in dental offices all around the world. We perform root canals in our office in Skagit County on a regular basis. A root canal involves removing an infection that has developed inside of a tooth. Often, clients will complain of pain or tenderness in the area of the infected tooth, and because they hope it will pass on its own, they often wait a few days or even weeks for the pain to become unbearable before they reach out to our dental office. At this point, we have to work quickly to try to save the tooth. In some instances, the infected tooth might need to be extracted, but in general, a root canal is enough to save the tooth. Saving a tooth is always our top priority because removing a tooth opens up the mouth to the possibility of further infection, bone loss, and more. The root canal is done by drilling a small hole in the top of the tooth’s chewing surface and then the infection is removed using special tools designed to fit inside the tooth. The infection is removed from the inside of the tooth, where the pulp and sensitive nerves of the tooth live, and then the tooth is filled with a dental cement so that the infection cannot return. Sometimes a crown is fitted over the tooth that has undergone the root canal because the tooth may turn a gray color, if it hasn’t already, as a result of the infection.
How Long Does it Take to Complete a Root Canal?
In most cases, a root canal can be completed in one visit to our office. We may take some x-rays to determine the spread of the infection to see if other teeth have been impacted by the infection, and then we can usually perform the root canal in the same appointment, or at an appointment very soon after. Because it is important to act quickly to save the tooth, we always try to perform the root canal as soon as possible. The entire procedure takes a couple of hours, and when it is done, clients will have a bright and shiny crown replacing their infected tooth, and they’ll have no more pain associated with the infection.
What To Expect Following a Root Canal
During a routine root canal clients are given a local anesthetic which is injected into the nerves surrounding the infected tooth. This will ensure that clients don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Pressure or some discomfort may be felt from having to hold a position while the dentist performs the root canal, but no real pain should be of any concern to our clients. Following the root canal, most clients take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce the swelling and discomfort they experience as the anesthetic wears off. Over the next day or two, clients may continue to have some discomfort, but they should be in no real pain. We can prescribe a stronger medication if that is the case to ensure the greatest comfort for our clients.
Why Do People Need Root Canals?
A root canal procedure is necessary when an infection has developed inside of a client’s tooth. This happens for a number of reasons including improper brushing and flossing technique, or poor oral health care in general. Root canals may also be necessary if the tooth or teeth have been exposed to injury or trauma, which can damage the teeth leaving the susceptible to infection. Without treatment, a tooth that has an infection could die and eventually fall out of the mouth. People who suffer from gum disease or periodontal disease are at a greater risk of developing infections because of the diseased tissue that is present their mouths. If you think you might have an infection in your teeth, don’t delay in calling our offices as soon as possible. We can work quickly to ensure your tooth is saved and repaired properly.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Infection?
If you think you might have a tooth infection, call our office right away. Watch for these signs and symptoms related to a tooth infection and contact us.
- Bleeding gums
- Pain in your teeth
- It hurts when you eat or chew food
- Cold and hot beverages cause sensitivity in your mouth
- Pus is leaking from your gums
- Your gums are swollen
- Unexplained headaches
- Pain in your jaw
- Tenderness when you touch your face
Contact Yeates Family Dental today to set up an appointment so our friendly and professional dental staff can examine your teeth and prevent you from losing your tooth.