03
Apr
A Boise Dental Guide To Root Canals
The team at Summit Dental Group works hard to provide our Treasure Valley patients with superior dental results. When damage to teeth is severe, our dentists may recommend a root canal to remedy the situation and get your oral health back on track. That’s why we’d like to provide you with the following Boise dental guide to root canals, so you know what to expect with this treatment.
A Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a Boise dental treatment that is designed to address problems that arise in the nerve tissue (soft pulp) within a tooth. This pulp tissue is made up of blood vessels, nerve cells, and connective tissues. When inflammation or infection occurs in this area, it can be extremely painful. To relieve this pain and remedy the problem, your dentist may recommend a root canal, otherwise, the problem will persist and eventually lead to a dental abscess or other problems throughout the body.
Don’t worry, though. At Summit Dental Group, a root canal isn’t much different from having a cavity filled. In fact, unlike the common misconception, that root canals are painful, this dental treatment causes minimal discomfort.
Root Canal Causes
The need for a root canal can be due to a wide variety of causes. These include untreated dental cavities that allow bacteria to enter the center of a tooth, where they infect the soft pulp tissue. Bacteria can also enter a tooth through a chip, crack, or other openings in its protective enamel. Additionally, trauma to a tooth due to an accident can cause pulp tissue damage. Last but not least, having multiple dental restorations done to the same tooth can increase your chances of injury.
Signs & Symptoms of a Problem
Severe pain and pressure that won’t let up, along with swelling and gum sensitivity, all indicate the need to visit your dentist. If you feel a sharp pain when you chew, this can be another sign of pulp tissue damage. Furthermore, lingering pain when you eat or drink can also be an indicator of a dental problem that requires immediate attention.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with your Boise dentist at Summit Dental Group as soon as possible.
Common Misconceptions
There is a false misconception regarding root canals. In fact, most people tend to think of them in a negative light. However, the truth is that a root canal eliminates more pain than they cause. As we mentioned above, a root canal can be performed with minimal discomfort, much like having a cavity filled. Furthermore, saving a tooth via a root canal treatment will help you to avoid future problems associated with having a tooth removed. These include:
- Unwanted tooth shifting
- Difficulties chewing
- The need for bridgework or dental implants
- Bone loss in the area of a missing tooth.
The Root Canal Process
The root canal process starts by numbing the tooth. In most cases, this is the only uncomfortable part of the treatment, and it’s only for a few moments. Next, your dentist will make a small opening in your damaged tooth and remove any dead or infected pulp tissue using specialized instruments before cleaning, disinfecting, and preparing your tooth for a filling. This small opening will then be sealed with an adhesive cement. At Summit Dental Group, we may also recommend a dental crown or other restorative solution to further protect your damaged tooth.
After a root canal treatment, you may experience some sensitivity for a few days following the procedure. That’s why it’s a good idea to avoid biting down hard on a treated tooth. You can also alleviate any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Summit Dental Group
If you’re dealing with severe tooth pain, a root canal can be an easy solution to eliminate discomfort by getting to the cause of the problem. Are you interested in learning more? Contact the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group by filling out our online form or give our office a call at (208) 314-2275 today. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and further your understanding of the root canal process. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!