Root Canal (Endodontics)
In Pain? Get a Root Canal and Save Your Tooth!
Root canals are a dental treatment meant to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. The process involves cleaning of the canals inside a tooth’s root.
Root canal treatments were often painful in the earlier stages of dentistry. But with the latest dental advances and local anesthetics, patients can now experience little to no pain at all when having a root canal. It will probably even be more painful if you decide to keep your decayed tooth and leave it untreated.
We are not a DSHS provider this includes but not limited to Apple Care, Molina, and Provider One
Dr. Sungjun Hwang Can Relieve The Pain and Save Your Tooth!
Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the nerves of the teeth. Root canals are probably the most notorious procedure in dentistry and the most common procedure relating to endodontics. When a tooth becomes infected it is usually related to the nerves in the root of the tooth. The infected nerves need to be removed. If left untreated an infection can turn into an abscess, which is a much more serious problem that includes bone loss in the jaw.
The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to start the procedure. The dentist will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal. They will then be able to remove infected tissue and clean the canal. After the infection has been removed, the space if filled with a sealant called gutta percha. It is highly recommended that a tooth that has undergone a root canal is fitted with a crown. This will improve the appearance of the tooth, and will also make it much more likely that the root canal is successful.
“Root canal” has become a scary term for dental patients to hear, but the benefits of the procedure and advances in dental technology have made it much less “scary”. Local anesthetics and proper pain medication allow the procedure to be performed with little to no pain in most cases. There may be some soreness following the procedure, but that is normal for most dental procedures. Over the counter painkillers are usually enough to relieve any pain afterwards, but your dentist may prescribe medication. The procedure will also relieve you from pain caused by the infection allowing you to enjoy all the foods you love without any pain from heat, cold, or biting too hard. If you are experiencing pain consult your dentist today.
To avoid bacterial infection and unnecessary dental treatments, consult with a trusted dentist in Huntington Station to know your options. A root canal treatment is recommended to help prevent infection and tooth pain.
Alternatives to root canals include extracting the damaged tooth and replacing it with a dental implant, bridge or removable partial denture.
Root Canal FAQs
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment that removes infected or inflamed pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), then cleans, disinfects, fills, and seals the inside of the tooth. Root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth instead of having it extracted.
What are the signs that I might need a root canal?
Signs that you may need a root canal include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, a toothache when chewing, swollen or tender gums near a tooth, a tooth that has darkened, or a pimple-like bump on the gums. Some infected teeth cause no symptoms, so regular checkups are important.
Is a root canal painful?
A root canal is performed with local anesthetic, and most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling. The treatment is designed to relieve the pain caused by an infected or inflamed tooth. Some tenderness afterward is normal and usually improves within a few days.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes. Teeth that have had a root canal, especially back teeth used for chewing, can become more brittle. A crown helps protect the tooth from cracking and restores its full function. Dr. Hwang will let you know whether your tooth needs one.
Is it better to get a root canal or have the tooth pulled?
What happens if an infected tooth is not treated?
An untreated tooth infection does not heal on its own. It can lead to an abscess, spread to surrounding bone and tissue, and eventually cause the tooth to be lost. Seeing a dentist promptly gives you the best chance of saving the tooth.
Does dental insurance cover root canals?
Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of root canal treatment, but coverage varies by plan. West Campus Dental Center accepts dental insurance and offers financing options, and our team can help you understand your benefits.
This information is general and is not a substitute for an exam with Dr. Hwang. For emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For dental concerns, call West Campus Dental Center at 253-838-3283.
