When tooth decay becomes too severe for a filling, a root canal is generally the best option.
At Auburn Hills Family Dentistry, we make ourselves available for urgent tooth problems. We prioritize emergencies and will provide the services needed to get you out of pain.
When a tooth starts to hurt, the cause is often an infection. Teeth become infected when decay begins to affect the pulp, which resides in the root of the tooth and contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
This pulp exists to help grow and nourish teeth, but it’s actually not necessary for teeth to survive once fully developed. Hence, when a root canal is performed, we remove this pulp, fill the space in the root, and then fix the structural problem that was caused by decay with a crown.
While there is always the option of pulling the tooth, a root canal is much better when possible because it preserves your natural tooth. This helps maintain the structure of your teeth, allows you to chew naturally and with full force, looks better, and helps protect your other teeth. A root canal is also a much more cost-effective option than removing the tooth and replacing it with either a bridge or an implant.
Anytime you feel dental pain, you should come in for an exam. Oftentimes, the cause is an infected root, but not always. It’s important to note, as well, that an infected tooth might not always be causing pain. It will eventually, but you might not be aware of an infection immediately.
This is one of the reasons it’s so important to get regular checkups. The only way to confirm that a root is infected is by performing an X-Ray on your teeth.
If you’re in pain, concerned you might be dealing with an infection, or simply haven’t had an X-Ray for some time, don’t delay in coming in to get checked out.
While the primary concern for most of us is the pain that an infected tooth can cause, it’s important to be aware of the fact that infected teeth can cause other problems, as well, beyond the possibility of losing the tooth. When an infected tooth becomes severe, it can lead to an abscess, which is extremely painful. In addition, the infection in a tooth can spread to other parts of the body, including the blood, which can cause a number of serious problems, including hepatitis, cancer, and heart disease.
It’s important to note, as well, that the pain caused by an infection might not slowly progress but become severe overnight. If you wake up in the middle of the night with severe dental pain, it’s imperative that you reach out immediately.
Like most dental procedures, one of the things that causes people to avoid them is because of the potential for pain. However, modern root canals are generally pain-free with the use of anesthetics.
If you suspect you might need a root canal, we’ll start by performing an examination, including an X-Ray to confirm that an infection is present in the pulp. If so, we’ll schedule an appointment to complete the root canal. The root canal process involves removing all of the decay, filling the root canal with a sealant, and then placing a temporary crown over the tooth. We’ll then create a model for your new tooth and have it sent to a lab for creation. Once it’s complete, you’ll come in for a follow-up appointment to place the crown.
The mere mention of a root canal can make some people cringe. However, the truth about root canals might surprise you. Despite the common misconception, root canals are not painful. In fact, they are designed to relieve pain, not cause it.
Dr. Josh Haycock at Auburn Hills Family Dentistry in Dacula is an expert in performing root canals with minimal discomfort. The procedure begins with local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. This ensures that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Once the area is numb, Dr. Haycock will remove the infected or inflamed pulp inside the tooth, clean the inside of the tooth, and then fill and seal it. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but it shouldn’t be painful.
After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some tenderness or sensitivity in the area for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage this discomfort. If you experience severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, be sure to contact Auburn Hills Family Dentistry at 678-804-8818.
A root canal is not just a temporary fix. It’s a long-term solution that can last a lifetime with proper care. The procedure effectively removes the source of the tooth’s problem – the infected or inflamed pulp. Once this is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, filled, and sealed, the tooth can continue to function like any other tooth for years to come.
However, the longevity of a root canal also depends on how well you take care of your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental check-ups, are essential to maintaining your oral health and ensuring that your root canal lasts as long as possible.
Remember, just because a tooth has had a root canal, doesn’t mean it’s immune to other dental issues. It can still become decayed or fractured, and gum disease can still occur if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
In most cases, a dental crown is recommended after a root canal to reinforce and preserve the tooth’s remaining structure.
A dental crown, which is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over the tooth, helps to restore its shape, size, and strength, and improve its appearance. The crown also protects the tooth from further damage or decay.
Our Dacula, GA dentist, Dr. Haycock uses high-quality materials to create custom dental crowns that look and feel like natural teeth. The procedure is simple and can usually be completed in just a couple of visits.
Remember, every patient and every tooth is different. Whether or not you need a crown will ultimately depend on a variety of factors, including the location of the tooth, the amount of tooth structure remaining, and your personal oral health habits. Dr. Haycock will discuss these factors with you and help you make the best decision for your oral health.
