Dr. Lynette Smith and Dr. G. Bennett Smith at Blue Ridge Dental perform root canals for patients in Mount Airy, NC. If you're having tooth pain, come see your dentist while we can still save your tooth with a root canal!
What is a root canal?
A root canal, or endodontic treatment, is a way to salvage an infected tooth. If you have an infection the tooth pulp can be removed, preserving the rest of your natural tooth.
First, your tooth and the area around it are numbed. The root canal procedure includes creating an opening in the crown of the tooth and removing the tooth's root and the infected tooth pulp, as well as a thorough cleaning of the tooth's canal system. Your dentist may place medicine in the tooth to prevent infection. A filling is placed to prevent further infection and finish your tooth. This procedure can save your natural tooth and keep you from needing a dental implant.
When do I see my dentist about a root canal?
Patients who need a root canal often notice worsening pain in the tooth. The goal of regular dental appointments is to help you before you need a root canal, but don't ignore any of these signs:
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- A gum blister
- Jaw pain or swelling
These are all signs that you may have an infected tooth, but you can actually have tooth decay without feeling pain or experiencing symptoms. This is another reason it's important to have regular exams.
Many patients try to delay coming to the dentist for a root canal because of fear of the pain, but the procedure is similar to getting a filling in terms of discomfort, as you are numbed during the root canal. You may have some discomfort for a few days after the procedure, and your dentist will recommend the best way to relieve any pain. A root canal actually saves you from further tooth pain or a complete dental abscess.
Keeping up with regular dental appointments is important to prevent root canals, but if you do get an infected tooth Dr. Lynette Smith and Dr. G. Bennett Smith can help. Call Blue Ridge Dental in Mount Airy, NC, at (336) 789-5306.