What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure dentists perform on millions of teeth per year. Root canal therapy may have an intimidating reputation, but thanks to advancements in technology and techniques, the procedure is relatively quick and painless today.
If your root canal becomes infected, it’s imperative you seek professional assistance immediately before the damage to your tooth becomes too severe to save it. Root canal therapy is an incredibly effective treatment and with an expert dentist like Dr. Kovacevic, you have a great chance of restoring your tooth to full health.
Symptom of Root Canal Infection
You may have a severe tooth infection and should call our office right away if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms::
- Extreme tooth pain
- Toothache that extends to the jaw, ears, or neck
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks
- Sensitivity when biting or chewing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling in your face
The Root Canal Therapy Process
The root canal therapy process is most often done in two appointments: the first to remove the infection and the second to place your protective dental crown. You may require additional appointments depending on the severity and spread of your infection.
To begin the procedure, Dr. Kovacevic will numb the area around your infected tooth with a local anesthetic, ensuring your experience is completely painless. He’ll then create a small hole in the tooth to remove the infected tissue and nerves. He will then fill the empty space with a special dental resin designed to guard against future infection. Then, Dr. Kovacevic will send an impression of your tooth to the laboratory to create a permanent dental crown and place a temporary restoration to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
Once the crown is ready, you’ll return for your second appointment. Dr. Kovacevic will remove the temporary crown, clean the tooth, and place a durable, natural-looking, permanent porcelain crown. This will protect the tooth in the future and allow for full function and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does root canal therapy hurt?
Though root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful, this isn’t really the case. Dr. Kovacevic will numb your tooth with a local anesthetic, ensuring you don’t feel any pain during treatment.
Should my tooth hurt a week after the procedure?
While you may experience mild discomfort after the procedure, this should fade within a week. If you’re still feeling pain past this point, contact us right away.
What is a hot tooth?
When bacteria infect your tooth, they wear down the enamel and leave your nerves exposed. This can result in prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
How can you tell if a tooth is dead?
A dying tooth can appear yellow, brown, gray, or even black. You’ll also likely experience toothaches or gum pain around the dead tooth.
How do I know if the nerves in my tooth are dead?
The edges of your teeth contain nerve endings that are extremely sensitive, causing severe pain when a nerve dies.