Root canals aren’t fun, but there’s no need to worry. The experienced dental team at Salem Dentistry wants you to know a root canal doesn’t have to be an anxiety-ridden, excessively painful experience. The accomplished dental group at Salem Dentistry does root canals on a daily basis in Long Beach, California. If you’re concerned about having a root canal, call the office or schedule an appointment online.
WHY MIGHT I NEED A ROOT CANAL?
A root canal is a dental treatment that saves and repairs an infected tooth. If your tooth becomes severely infected from inside, one of the experienced dentists at Salem Dentistry removes the bacteria and any dying or dead tissue. In doing so, they are able to save your tooth and soothe your pain.
WHAT CAN CAUSE A TOOTH INFECTION?
From damage to the tooth or from a cavity allowed to go untreated, roots and tissue within your teeth can become infected with bacteria. The infected tissue can develop inside the pulp or root of your tooth if you neglect to go to the dentist. Ask about treatment. If you don’t, the infection could spread even further and lead to other health complications.
HOW CAN I RECOGNIZE AN INFECTED TOOTH?
If you don’t seek treatment for the infected tooth rather immediately, you might experience a significant amount of discomfort. Some typical symptoms of an infected tooth include:
- Inflamed gums
- Tooth soreness when eating and drinking
- Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Halitosis
- Pus coming from around the tooth
- Painful aching in your jaw and mouth
- Darkening color of the tooth
- A bump on your gum like a small pimple
HOW IS A ROOT CANAL PERFORMED?
Typically, one of the highly skilled dentists at Salem Dentistry can take care of your tooth in one or two visits. You may need X-rays taken so that the full extent of the tooth damage can be evaluated before the root canal is performed.
At your appointment, one of the dentists at Salem Dentistry uses a needle to numb the area with a local anesthetic. If needed, they put a small layer of rubber, or dental dam, around the tooth to safeguard it and keep it sanitary throughout the process. Once your tooth is anesthetized, the dentist makes a small incision in your tooth to reach the infection inside the root.
After this, your dentist removes the infected and damaged pulp using small files, then washes away any debris from the area with water. After all diseased matter is gone, your dentist either seals the tooth or inserts a non-permanent filling to shield the tooth until you return for a permanent crown.
Call Salem Dentistry or book a consultation online if you have any symptoms or signs of a tooth infection.