Root canal treatment is necessary when the tooth’s pulp becomes infected and inflamed. The pulp is the soft part inside your teeth that contains the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. When the pulp is infected or inflamed, it cannot repair itself and professional intervention is required to correct the problem. This type of infection can result from untreated tooth decay, large fillings, cracks in teeth, trauma, etc.
If the condition is not treated promptly, it can lead to pain and the need for a tooth extraction. If this occurs, the neighboring teeth can shift, become loose, or even fall out. Treating an infected tooth at Paradigm Dental as soon as possible is best to avoid further issues.
During a root canal treatment, the nerve and all diseased tissue from inside the tooth are removed. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and sealed with a material called gutta-percha. A crown is usually placed over the tooth after the root canal to protect it from breaking and restore its strength. If your tooth had a severe crack or fracture before needing a root canal, it might need to be extracted and replaced with an implant or bridge restoration.
The Root Canal Procedure
During a root canal, our dentist will remove the infected nerve tissue and bacteria from your tooth. Then, they will disinfect and fill your tooth to prevent further infection. Finally, our dentist will place a crown over the tooth to restore its strength and improve its appearance. If a root canal is not the best procedure for you, our dentist may perform other procedures, such as bridgework or dental implants.
While a root canal procedure is considered invasive, our dentist will be able to ease any discomfort by administering local anesthesia and providing you with sedation if needed. Recovery time is typically short; a permanent filling or crown will follow it to protect and strengthen the tooth.
If left untreated, an abscessed or infected tooth can lead to more severe complications, including bone loss in the jaw, which can affect your facial structure and even cause your teeth to shift out of alignment over time.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Anxiety about a procedure as complex as root canal therapy is standard. However, patients must understand that most patients experience minimal pain and often only feel pressure or mild discomfort from the anesthetic injection.
There may be some sensitivity in the area after the anesthetic wears off, but our dentist will prescribe a strong pain reliever for you to take if needed. After the procedure, the treated tooth may be sensitive for a few days, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate any pain you have during this time.
If you have persistent tooth pain or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, visit Paradigm Dental at 3970 SW Mercantile Dr. Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035, or call (503) 626-7323 to schedule an appointment with our skilled dentist. They will be able to determine the cause of the pain and recommend the best treatment option to relieve your pain and restore the health of your smile.
