Everything you need to know...
Root Canals
Root canals are used to restore an infected tooth, also known as an abscessed tooth. By removing the damaged nerve tissue inside the tooth, root canals alleviate the pain from the infected tooth. In most cases, damaged nerve tissue is caused by deep decay, cracks, infections and dental trauma.
Root Canals
by Dr. Jacob Whitney
The Symptoms of Infected Nerves
Without treatment, an infected nerve can cause pain and swelling, and will lead to an abscess that affects the surrounding bone. When this occurs, you may notice:
- Severe, lasting pain in the tooth
- Discoloration of the teeth
- Foul breath or taste
- Sores on the gums that are painful and may ooze pus
- Localized warmth
- Fever
Remember that you can have an infected tooth even if you do not experience pain. Sometimes the tooth nerve dies before it can cause much discomfort, or was already dead due to an unrelated cause. The lack of pain doesn’t mean there’s nothing wrong, especially if you have other related symptoms.
If you have an infected tooth, root canal therapy can restore that tooth to full function. After root canal therapy is performed, the tooth will need to be secured with a crown to prevent the tooth from breaking.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
Many people worry that root canal therapy will be painful, but the truth is that root canal therapy does more to relieve pain than it does to cause it.
If you have an infected tooth, it’s very important that you get the tooth treated as soon as possible. Tooth infection destroys your tooth from within and then uses the shelter of that tooth to spread infection throughout your mouth and your body. The sooner Dr. Whitney can act, the more he can do to reduce the complications related to your treatment. Root canal therapy is a relief from pain, not a cause of it.
The Root Canal Process
With root canal therapy, Dr. Whitney will remove any infected tissue and damaged nerves and then clean and seal the tooth. During recovery, most people only experience discomfort that is equal to or less than the discomfort they felt before the procedure. Soon that discomfort resolves, too. With root canal therapy, a tooth can potentially function without additional problems.
To make your root canal appointment, or to learn more about our practice here at Sand Springs Family Dentistry, contact our Dentist and the team at (918) 245-5979.
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