Relieve Tooth Infection Pain With Root Canal Surgery
Many patients avoid root canal therapy due to fear of tooth pain. However modern dentistry technology and techniques make it a routine and virtually painless procedure. At the Center for Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Andrew Howard offers comfortable and affordable root canal therapy to alleviate your toothache and restore your smile. Call the best dentist in Loveland, CO, today at (970) 669-3918 to schedule a consultation!
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely damaged or infected. The inner part of your tooth, called the pulp, contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, trauma, or other reasons, it can cause significant pain and discomfort.
When is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?
Several signs and symptoms may indicate you need root canal therapy. These include:
- Persistent Toothache: A severe and ongoing toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure, is a common sign of infected pulp.
- Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: If a tooth is sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, and the sensitivity lingers, it may be a sign of pulp inflammation or infection.
- Swelling or Tenderness in the Gums: Inflammation or infection in the pulp can sometimes cause swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gum tissue.
- Visible Pimples on the Gums (Abscess): In some cases, an abscessed tooth (a pus-filled pocket at the tooth root) can develop due to a severe pulp infection. This can cause significant pain and swelling and requires prompt root canal therapy.
- Discoloration of the Tooth: A tooth with dead or dying pulp may become discolored and appear darker than surrounding teeth.
When Is It Better to Extract the Infected Tooth?
In some cases, extracting the infected tooth may be a better option than root canal therapy. This is typically true for the following situations:
- Severe Tooth Damage: If the tooth is severely cracked, fractured, or broken beyond repair, extraction may be necessary.
- Extensive Infection: In cases where the infection has spread significantly beyond the tooth root or to the jawbone, an extraction may be recommended.
- Retreatment Failure: If a previous root canal treatment has failed and the infection persists, extraction may be the best course of action.
- Lack of Sufficient Tooth Structure: If there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a permanent restoration after root canal therapy, extraction may be necessary.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to perform root canal therapy or extract the tooth will be made by Dr. Howard after a thorough examination and X-rays. He’ll consider the extent of the damage, the severity of the infection, and your overall oral health to determine the best course of treatment for your situation.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy offers several benefits:
- Preservation of Natural Tooth: The primary benefit of root canal therapy is that it allows you to keep your natural tooth. Saving the tooth prevents the need for extraction, which can lead to other dental issues and may require further treatments such as dental implants or bridges.
- Relief From Pain: Root canal therapy relieves the severe pain associated with infected or inflamed dental pulp. The procedure removes the infected tissue, eliminating the source of pain and discomfort.
- Prevents the Spread of Infection: Infected dental pulp can lead to abscesses, which are pockets of pus that form at the root of the tooth. Root canal therapy removes the infection, preventing it from spreading to other teeth or causing systemic health problems.
- Improves Oral Health: By removing infected tissue and cleaning the root canal system, the procedure helps to improve overall oral health. It eliminates bacteria and prevents further decay or infection in the affected tooth.
- Restores Functionality: After root canal therapy, the tooth can continue to function normally for biting and chewing. This allows you to maintain proper oral function without any discomfort.
The Root Canal Therapy Process
Consultation and Diagnosis
Your journey begins with a consultation with Dr. Howard. He will discuss your symptoms, perform a thorough examination of the tooth, and take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Howard will determine if root canal therapy is the best course of action for you.
Preparing for the Procedure
Once root canal therapy is recommended, Dr. Howard and his team will ensure your comfort throughout the process. Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area around the tooth. Additionally, sedation dentistry options are available to help you relax during the procedure.
Removing the Infection and Cleaning the Canals
A small opening will be created in the tooth crown to access the pulp chamber. Dr. Howard will then carefully remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the root canals of the tooth using specialized instruments. Next, the canals are meticulously cleaned and shaped to eliminate any remaining bacteria or debris. Irrigation solutions and tiny files are used for thorough cleaning.
Sealing the Tooth and Final Restoration
Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, they’re filled with a biocompatible material like gutta percha to prevent future infection. A temporary dental filling is then placed on the tooth to seal the opening and protect it until a permanent restoration can be placed.
After healing, typically within a few weeks, you’ll return for a final appointment. Dr. Howard will remove the temporary filling and place a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, to protect the treated natural teeth and restore full functionality.
Aftercare for Root Canal Therapy
Following root canal therapy, proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and preventing complications. Here are some key root canal aftercare tips from Dr. Howard:
- Pain Management: You may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure. Manage any soreness with over-the-counter pain relievers or medication prescribed by Dr. Howard.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash as instructed by Dr. Howard. This helps prevent infection and promote healing.
- Dietary Restrictions: Avoid chewing on hard or crunchy foods until your permanent restoration is placed. Stick to a soft diet for the first few days to minimize discomfort to the treated tooth.
- Minimize Chewing on the Treated Tooth: While eating, try to avoid chewing on the treated tooth to prevent any potential damage before the permanent restoration is placed.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. Howard. These appointments allow him to monitor your healing progress and ensure the long-term success of the root canal therapy.
Financing Root Canal Therapy
At the Center for Advanced Dentistry, we understand that dental care costs can be a concern. We want to ensure you can receive the treatment you need to maintain a healthy smile, regardless of budget. That’s why we offer several flexible financing options to fit your individual needs.
We accept most major credit cards and insurance plans to help maximize your coverage. Additionally, we offer convenient interest-free payment plans, and third-party financing through:
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern dentistry has made root canal therapy a virtually painless procedure. Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring you feel minimal discomfort during the treatment. You may experience some mild soreness or sensitivity after the procedure, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers or medication prescribed.
The length of a root canal procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of teeth involved. Typically, root canal therapy takes one to two appointments.
During the first appointment, your dentist will remove the infected pulp and clean the canals. A temporary filling will be placed on the tooth. The second appointment will involve placing a permanent restoration, such as a crown.
Following endodontic surgery, most people experience minimal discomfort that subsides within a few days. You can manage any soreness with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medication. Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, which may include practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding chewing on hard foods, and attending follow-up appointments.
In most cases, yes! Since root canal therapy is performed with local anesthesia, if you need a root canal, you should be able to return to work or normal activities the next day following the procedure. However, if you opted for sedation during the treatment, it’s best to arrange for someone to drive you home and wait until the effects of the sedation wear off before returning to work.
Find Relief From Infected Teeth With Painless Root Canal Treatments
Root canal therapy is a safe and effective procedure that can save your infected tooth from extraction and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the infection. If you think you might need a root canal, call our Loveland, CO, office at (970) 669-3918 to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve Colorado patients in Loveland and surrounding areas such as Greeley, Evans, and Garden City.