What Happens During a Root Canal?

Never put off seeking treatment for a toothache. If a cavity is deep enough to penetrate the inner chamber of your tooth, you’ll need emergency dental careor risk possible dental extraction.

Our Hudsonville, MI, family dentists will do everything in their power to save your tooth before resorting to extraction, including root canal therapy. During the root canal, we’ll remove the infected tooth pulp and later strengthen your tooth with a crown.

Here’s what you can expect during a root canal and how to recognize the signs of a tooth abscess.

When Do I Need a Root Canal?

Symptoms indicating the need for a scheduled or emergency root canalcan vary, and some people experience more than one warning sign. In some cases, symptoms may come and go, while in others they worsen over time. Ignoring these signs can allow the infection to spread, potentially leading to more serious oral health problems. Seeing our local family dentists as soon as symptoms appear helps protect the tooth and surrounding structures.

You might need a root canal if you’re experiencing:

• Severe toothache
• Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
• Pimple on the gums
• Prolonged tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
• Swollen tender gums
• Pain when chewing or applying pressure

These symptoms often indicate that the tooth’s pulp is infected or damaged, which requires immediate treatment from our dentists. Left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to more complex dental and health problems. Call our Hudsonville, MI, dental office as soon as possible to schedule your endodontic therapy appointment so we can provide much needed tooth pain relief.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Without treatment for a tooth abscess, the problem won’t go away on its own. If you suspect you need a root canal, schedule an appointment with our office. During the procedure, our dentistswill be able to remove infected tooth pulp and seal your tooth.Without root canal treatment, the tooth will die and need to be extracted.

First, one of our dentists will numb your tooth so you won’t feel any pain during the root canal procedure. Once you’re properly numb, they will drill a small hole near the top of your tooth. They will then use dental files of increasing size to clean out the inner chamber of your tooth.

For good measure, our root canal dentists may flush the tooth with water and antimicrobial solution to make sure any remaining pulp is removed.

To seal the tooth and protect it from further infection, we’ll place a temporary filling until your crown is ready. Your permanent crown will be ready during your next appointment a few weeks later. Dental crown placement after a root canal will restore your tooth to its natural strength and appearance.

How Long Will a Root Canal Take?

This depends on the condition of your tooth. Generally speaking, a standard root canal procedure will take our dentists about 30-60 minutes to complete. If your particular case is more severe, there is a chance it will take upwards of an hour and a half.

We will be sure to brief you on how long you’ll need to be in the dental chair. The type of tooth that is being treated, the level of severity, and the amount of root canals required will ultimately determine the time commitment.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Many patients worry that getting a root canal is extremely painful, but this is a common misconception. In reality, the procedure is routine and designed to relieve pain, not cause it. As mentioned above, the area is numbed first with a local anesthetic, so patients do not feel discomfort during the procedure.

The pain often associated with root canals is usually caused by the infection itself, not the treatment. By removing the infected tissue and sealing the tooth, a root canal helps stop the source of pain and prevents further damage. After treatment, some mild soreness is normal and typically resolves within a few days.

Modern techniques and materials have made root canals inside our office and beyond much more manageable than many patients expect.

Call for Today for Tooth Pain Relief

Our root canal dentists in Hudsonville, MI, can restore your tooth so you can once again smile with confidence. To schedule an appointment, call Hudsonville Dental today at (616) 209-4024.

This blog has been updated.