Root Canal Therapy

Not every patient experiences noticeable symptoms, so it's possible to need root canal therapy even with mild symptoms or none at all. The most common signs include:

• Swelling around the face, head, or neck

• Tooth pain with pressure, such as chewing

• Prolonged hot and cold sensitivity

• Darkening of the tooth

• Tenderness and swelling of the gums

The most common cause is dental decay left untreated until it reaches the pulp — which is why treating cavities early, with a simple filling, matters. A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, a large filling, repeated procedures on the same tooth, or trauma to the face or tooth can also inflame and damage the pulp. Once the pulp is infected, the only treatment options are root canal therapy or extraction — root canal therapy lets you keep your natural tooth rather than needing a bridge or implant.

It's helpful to know root canal therapy isn't the painful ordeal its reputation suggests — Dr. Jobst numbs the affected area before beginning, so you shouldn't experience pain, and once a tooth has fully developed, the pulp is no longer needed for anything but sending pain signals when it's inflamed. After a thorough exam with digital X-rays, Dr. Jobst places a protective dam, creates a small access opening, and uses fine instruments to clean out the infected pulp and debris. Once the canals are completely clean, he reshapes them, fills them with a rubber compound called gutta-percha to seal out recontamination, and places a filling to close the access hole. Because the tooth is weakened by the procedure, you'll need a dental crown afterward to restore full function and protect it going forward.

If you're experiencing dental pain, sensitivity, or swelling of the face, neck, or gums, don't delay a professional exam. Call Grand Lake Dental today — one of our friendly team members would love to answer your questions or schedule an appointment.