If you need a root canal, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms. However, you may not be able to see your dentist right away. It is best to wait no more than one to two weeks before you have a root canal. Getting a root canal as soon as possible will lessen the chance of severe complications like tooth loss.
How Root Canals Work
Root canals relieve pain, treat dental infections, and preserve the natural tooth. A root canal removes inflamed or infected tissue inside the tooth's crown and root system.
The procedure begins with a local anesthetic that will keep you comfortable and pain-free. We also offer sedation options if you feel uneasy or simply want to relax.
Next, the dentist drills into the tooth's crown to expose the pulp chamber. They use small files to remove the damaged pulp from the crown and root canals. The dentist reshapes the root canals' interior to make a recurrence less likely.
After cleaning and disinfecting the tooth, the doctor fills the root and crown with a biocompatible substance that prevents further contamination. The dentist will protect the tooth with a crown or filling to restore chewing function.
You will go home feeling much better than before your procedure but may have some lingering soreness and swelling for a few days. Over-the-counter medication is usually enough to combat these symptoms.
Symptoms That Indicate the Need for a Root Canal
- Painful toothache, especially when biting down or chewing
- Extreme sensitivity to heat and cold
- Swollen and tender gums around the tooth
- Pimple-like swelling on the gums
- Symptoms of an infection, including fever or chills
- Loose tooth
- Broken or decayed tooth
- Discolored, gray or black tooth
What Happens When You Delay A Root Canal?
If you put off a root canal, your symptoms will worsen. The infection could spread to neighboring teeth or make you sick. The longer you wait for a root canal, the more likely your tooth will go beyond where your dentist can save it, and you will need an extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Are root canals expensive?
Root canals are an investment in your oral health and wellness. Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage or greater. When considering the cost of a root canal versus a tooth replacement like an implant or bridge, a root canal is a more economical option.
Do root canals hurt?
Today, a root canal is a comfortable dental procedure. Advances in local anesthesia make it a smooth experience. A root canal takes longer than getting a filling, but it feels about the same.
Call Jacobs and Thatcher Dentistry
You may need a root canal if you have any of the above mentioned symptoms. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible to schedule a consultation. We can help relieve your pain and stabilize your tooth. Call our Sun City Center, FL, office at 813-634-1932 to schedule an appointment today.