Root Canals

Root canals are procedures where the dentist treats tooth decay or infection. There are lots of misconceptions regarding root canals, so we’ll try to clarify all you need to know about them.

When Do People Realize They Might Need Root Canals?

Most people realize that something’s wrong when they become extra sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. You might also notice pain while chewing, a cracked tooth in the mirror, that your gums feel abnormally swollen, or a simple toothache. Alternatively, you might not notice anything at all. Your dentist might detect the problem during one of your regular checkups.

As we mentioned earlier, root canals are necessary when one of your teeth is decaying or is suffering from an infection. Postponing, or neglecting treatment, can lead to pulpitis, the tooth becoming irreparable, and the infection spreading to nearby teeth.

What’s the Procedure Like?

People are often too scared to look for root canals in Carlsbad because they’re under the misconception that root canals are painful. The dentist will numb the area surrounding the damaged tooth with local anesthesia before starting the procedure. At most, the only thing you’ll feel is very slight pressure.

The first step of the procedure, after the anesthesia, is to clean the root canal and to decontaminate it using special small tools. This is important to clear all the infected tissue to stop the damage from getting worse.

Removing the inside of the tooth will make it fragile, so it’ll be necessary to provide the tooth with some kind of support. Crowns and fillings fulfill that supporting role perfectly. After they’re installed, you’ll be able to use the tooth regularly without any difficulties at all. You will most likely be able to chew on it a few hours after the procedure.

Here at Smiles for Health, we have enough experience and training to perform root canal procedures in little time, painlessly, and with minimal discomfort. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.