ROOT CANAL MOBILE AL - TREATMENTS AND THERAPY

ROOT CANAL THERAPY

It’s understandable if your first instinct when you hear “root canal” is to wince. People to this day think of a root canal as an extremely scary and painful procedure. In reality, with modern dental advancements, root canal procedures are often minimal in their level of discomfort. The advantages of root canal therapy are also undeniable, as a root canal can not only lead to less pain and discomfort, but even save a tooth from needing to be extracted.

In order to get past any hesitations you may have about the root canal therapy procedure, it is important to first understand what it is, what it treats, and what the process is like.

WHAT IS ROOT CANAL THERAPY?

Essentially, root canals are a procedure that treats situations that involve fixing cavities or cracks in teeth that are so bad that they affect the pulp or nerve of a tooth. The pulp is a collection of blood vessels and soft tissue that can get infected when a tooth is cracked or populated by the bacteria of a cavity. Once the tissue gets infected, you may develop an abscess. If this infection isn’t treated, over time it can lead to pain, injury to your jawbones, and even issues with your overall health!

WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR A ROOT CANAL?

There are a few different reasons that people may need root canals, all of which can lead to severe infection if untreated. These include:

  • A Dead or Necrotic Nerve
  • Infection or Abscess
  • Tooth Fractures
  • Tooth Trauma
  • Significant Tooth Decay
These all lead to diseased tooth soft tissue and need to be taken care of immediately to avoid the development or progression of an infection.
Root Canal In Mobile Alabama at West Mobile Dental Care

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HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A ROOT CANAL?

Generally speaking, the indications that you need root canal therapy will be incredibly obvious, as you may have a spontaneous toothache or swelling; however, sometimes a patient is unaware that they have an underlying infection and does not realize they need a root canal until x-rays and clinical examination by a dentist.

Some of the more apparent symptoms may include:

  • Pain while trying to chew.
  • Pain with exposure to heat or cold.
  • A change in the color of the tooth (often gray).
  • An extreme toothache.
  • Pain while pressure is applied to the tooth.
  • Swelling of nearby gums.
If any of these issues occur, you should see your dentist for a consultation.

ARE ROOT CANALS PAINFUL?

One of the biggest fears that patients have about root canals is that they may be extremely painful. Actually, many people will actively ignore the issues they are having simply to avoid having a root canal completed.
Ironically, this generally leads to more pain, not less. The actual pain that you are feeling is the infection and inflammation from the diseased soft tissue area of the tooth's root. These symptoms will continue to persist until the tooth is treated. With adequate local anesthesia, root canal therapy can be performed with minimal, if any, discomfort. Also keep in mind that—without proper treatment—your root canal can lead to other health problems and potential damage to your tooth, bone, and possibly adjacent teeth.

WHAT IS THE ROOT CANAL PROCESS?

The process of getting a root canal involves multiple steps. It all starts with visiting your dentist for a consultation to determine the source of your pain. Once they decide that root canal therapy is necessary, they will begin a process that may take one to three treatments.
Before your treatment begins, your dentist will provide local anesthesia to make sure that you don’t feel any pain. They may also suggest using nitrous oxide. Initially, your dentist will remove any injured or affected soft tissue inside the root, then clean the inside of the tooth. Once that is complete, they will fill in the canal space within the root with a biocompatible material and seal it to ensure that there is no further infection. More advanced patients with endodontic needs will be referred to a local endodontist or dentist who specializes in the treatment of the dental pulp.
Once the procedure is complete, you may have the option of placing a crown over the tooth to ensure its long-term protection.

WHAT IS THE ROOT CANAL RECOVERY PROCESS?

Generally, there isn’t any particular recovery procedure for a root canal—it should heal up fine on its own. Still, if you notice any pain or pressure that lasts for more than a couple of days, you’ll want to contact your dentist to make sure the area isn’t infected.

West Mobile Dental Care is conveniently located in Mobile, AL, but proudly serves Daphne, Prichard, Montrose, Fairhope, Tillman’s Corner, and other neighboring communities.

HOW CAN I AVOID GETTING A ROOT CANAL?

There are a few different things you can do to avoid a root canal procedure. The first is to take proper care of your oral health at home. This means brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. You should also visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. In the meantime, if you notice any pain, discoloration, or signs of decay, reach out to your dentist for an exam. This may help to avoid the conditions that lead to the need for a root canal.

These simple steps will help to keep your smile vibrant and your mouth pain-free.