Root canals are recommended when the inside of your tooth, called the “pulp” becomes damaged or infected.
Because the pulp is composed primarily of nerves and blood vessels, infections are often extremely painful and can cause difficulty eating, severe sensitivity to heat and cold, and swollen gums.
Root canals allow us to preserve as much of your tooth as possible while eliminating bacteria, preserving your natural tooth, and preventing reinfection.
Multiple conditions can lead to painful infections that develop into decay, such as:
During a root canal, we ensure that you are completely comfortable at all times. After you are numb, we will remove the infected inner portion of your tooth and replace it with a filling material. This allows you to keep all the healthy portions of your tooth while eliminating the infection.
We will then place a filling over the tooth. You may need a crown over the tooth to protect it from further damage.
Bacterial infections can cause the teeth to darken. Discoloration caused by the bacteria can change the tooth color from white to yellow, grey, brown, or black.
This color change is noticeable on the surface of the tooth and can lead to social discomfort and a loss of self-esteem.
An infected pulp can cause pain, especially when chewing and biting. While not all tooth pain means you need a root canal, pain that lasts for hours or even days could stem from an irritated or infected pulp.
As infections inside the tooth develop, sensory nerves become damaged and experience enhanced sensitivity.
Not only does this sensitivity lead to painful reactivity to hot and cold stimuli, but it also increases overall discomfort and inflammation around the infected area.
Because pulp infections occur deep within the tooth, inflammation, and pain in the gums are common.
If left untreated, swelling and tenderness can spread to the neck and face.
We understand how challenging it can be to live with persistent – and sometimes debilitating – tooth pain. Irritated, impacted, and inflamed nerves can cause a significant decline in day-to-day wellness, while exposure to bacteria can lead to harmful decay and embarrassing discoloration.
At Dodge Dental Studio, we work diligently to provide relief and restore confidence in our patients. Our commitment to gentle dentistry means we make every effort to make your procedures and recovery as comfortable as possible.
