Root canal therapy is a necessary, beneficial form of restorative care that many people view with great anxiety. This treatment has developed a bad reputation over the years, being the topic of horror stories. Most people assume that the procedure or its subsequent “recovery” is painful. The truth is that any pain associated with the root canal is the intense toothache that comes before treatment.
Having a root canal is not much different from any other type of dental restoration. Just like when you get a filling, local anesthetic is used, and damaged tooth structure is removed. At Washington Street Dentistry, we go a step further and offer sedation for those patients who would prefer to sail through treatment and not remember a thing.
Root canal therapy is usually recommended in our Indianapolis dental practice when a tooth has become infected. Sometimes, we are able to catch infection early, before substantial pain has developed. Often, however, patients come to us once they have developed a persistent toothache that stems from infected pulp, which contains the nerve of a tooth.
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
Before beginning treatment, your dentist will numb the area with local anesthetic. The damaged areas of the tooth are then removed, and a tiny hole made into the root canal for the removal of infected pulp. Our practitioners incorporate advanced technology in the form of rotary endodontics to facilitate better precision and timeliness of treatment. Upon removal of infected tooth m
aterial and cleaning the root canal, this area is sealed, and an impression is made for the creation of a permanent dental crown. After root canal therapy, you will be sent home with a temporary crown, feeling no lasting discomfort from the procedure.
We serve the areas in and around Indianapolis with excellent preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental care. If you are experiencing tooth pain, contact us right away for early intervention. By treating teeth early, it is easier to act conservatively and possibly avoid root canal therapy. When this treatment is necessary, we assure your comfort and satisfaction through a gentle, understanding approach.
Call Washington Street Dentistry to schedule your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know I need a root canal?
Your teeth are layered like an onion. The outermost layer (enamel) is a hard, protective shell that shields your teeth from decay and damage. Beneath the enamel is the softer dentin, which contains microscopic tubules. The pulp chamber, the interior part, contains the live tissues, including connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves.
You need a root canal if the enamel is breached, which allows harmful bacteria to reach the pulp chamber. The warning signs of a root canal include:
- Persistent tooth pain that worsens when chewing
- Intolerance for hot and cold foods and beverages
- Swelling or tenderness in nearby gums
- Tooth discoloration (an infected tooth turns dark or brown)
- A pimple-like swelling on the gums
While only a dentist can determine the need for a root canal, watch for the above warning signs. Prompt treatment can save your tooth and prevent infection from spreading to nearby structures.
What does the procedure involve?
It begins with inspecting your tooth with dental X-rays to determine its suitability for endodontic therapy. Then, we’ll numb your gums with local anesthetics to ensure a comfortable dental experience. The dentist will then create a small hole in your tooth and use it to remove the inflamed tissues. Next, we’ll clean your tooth thoroughly until all the harmful bacteria are gone. After shaping the canals, we’ll seal the tooth with a latex-like material (gutta-percha). Finally, we’ll restore your tooth with a filling or crown to reinstate its function and appearance.
Is the procedure painful?
Root canals may have been depicted in the media as a harrowing procedure, but that’s far from the truth. Modern root canals are no more painful than cavity treatment. Before your treatment, the dentist numbs your gums with powerful anesthetics. Dental anesthesia remains effective throughout the procedure, and dosage can be adjusted to your comfort level.
Sedation dentistry is also available for patients anxious about the procedure. Sedation dentistry calms your nerves during treatment, and with options like oral sedatives, you won’t remember much about your procedure. With gentle instrumentation and modern pain management techniques, root canals aren’t anything to worry about.
What are the aftercare tips after root canal treatment?
After the procedure, you may feel some sensitivity for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relievers should manage this. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until recovery. Also, observe good oral hygiene to keep your tooth infection-free.
Is extraction better than a root canal?
Tooth extraction may seem easier for an infected tooth, but it’s costly over time. Losing a tooth can affect your bite, jaw health, and appearance. Replacing this tooth requires expensive and time-consuming bridges or implants. Root canal treatment saves your natural to maintain your oral health and prevents the need for costly teeth replacements.
Is there a root canal dentist near me?
Are you interested in painless root canal treatment in Indianapolis, IN? Call (317) 333-6788 to reserve an appointment with Washington Street Dentistry.
