Are you currently experiencing tooth pain that never goes away? Or have you noticed one of your teeth is extremely sensitive to hot or cold? These symptoms of infection might have you wondering, “Do I need a root canal?” In this post, we discuss what a root canal is, why you might need one, and the non-surgical root canal options offered by Country Club Dental.
Do I need a root canal?
A tooth has two main parts—the crown and the root. The crown is the portion of the tooth you can see above the gum line. The root lies under the gums and acts much like the root of a plant, holding your tooth in place.
The inside of a tooth’s root is called the pulp. It contains the blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves that help the tooth stay healthy. When bacteria enter your tooth through a crack, chip, or another type of injury, the pulp inside the root can become infected, and you might need a root canal to fix the problem.
Symptoms of infected tooth pulp include:
- Intense tooth pain that does not go away
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swollen gums and/or jaw
- Discolored tooth
- A pimple or boil on the gums
- Jaw pain
- A tooth that feels loose or has become chipped or cracked
How does a non-surgical root canal work?
A root canal is a very common dental procedure. In fact, more than 15 million people receive root canals every year, without any need for oral surgery. Non-surgical root canal procedures can save the original tooth and put an end to infections and tooth pain.
Here’s how a non-surgical root canal procedure works:
- First, the dentist removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth
- The inside of the tooth is meticulously cleaned to remove all bacteria
- An antibiotic is applied to eliminate the infection
- Next, the dentist seals the tooth with an adhesive
- Lastly, the dentist inserts a filling into the tooth to protect it from becoming infected in the future
- If the tooth is badly damaged, you may need a dental crown to protect the tooth
Is a root canal painful?
Whenever someone learns that they need a root canal, this is the first question they ask. Fortunately, the root canal procedure is virtually painless! The pain you were feeling prior to the procedure—especially if the infection reached the nerve—is far worse than getting a root canal.
During a root canal procedure, we administer numbing agents to ensure that you stay comfortable and do not feel any pain during the procedure. Afterward, there may be some slight discomfort as the area heals. However, over-the-counter pain medications should be enough to help you manage any residual pain.
Non-Surgical Root Canal in Flagstaff, Arizona
No one likes to hear they need a dental procedure, especially a root canal. However, root canals have come a long way over the years, and the definition of a root canal has changed quite a bit. Today, non-surgical root canal procedures provide quick relief for the pain and discomfort caused by an infected tooth.
If you are currently experiencing tooth pain, and believe you need a non-surgical root canal, do not delay seeking treatment. Call Country Club Dental in Flagstaff today at 928-526-4314.
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