Root Canal
Muscle Shoals, AL
According to our patients, the two words they definitely don't want to hear at the dentist's office are "root canal."
The dentists at Singing River Dentistry are specialists in restorative dentistry. They can explain to you the benefits of undergoing a root canal and ensure that your experience is comfortable.
It's important to understand that root canals are common procedures that don't have to involve a lot of pain. According to The American Association of Endodontists, more than 15 million root canal treatments are performed annually.
We can assure you that any discomfort you may feel during a root canal procedure is better than dealing with a completely decayed tooth that is preventing you from doing simple daily tasks like eating.
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What is a Root Canal?
A root canal involves removing the soft pulp of the tooth. A tooth's pulp is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Most root canals are performed with local anesthesia by an endodontist or general dentist.
Root canals are necessary when the pulp of the tooth is infected, inflamed, or injured. When the pulp is dead inside your tooth, the tooth itself can still remain intact. To preserve the tooth's structure, it is best to remove the infected or damaged pulp.
A cavity that’s left untreated, a crack or chip in the tooth, and an injury of the tooth are common causes of pulp damage. You may experience tooth pain, swelling, and a warm sensation if the pulp is damaged.
Root Canal Procedure
 At our office, our dentist will administer numbing medicine to the impacted tooth.
Once that has started taking effect, a local anesthetic will be delivered to your gums. You could feel a burning or pinching feeling. Even though you are awake, you will not feel any pain during the process.
An endodontist or dentist will create a tiny hole in the top of your tooth while it is numb. When the pulp is exposed, doctors utilize specific equipment known as files to remove damaged or contaminated pulp.
Your tooth canals will be cleansed completely. Following pulp removal, the dentist may apply an antibiotic topically to prevent reinfection. After the clearing of the canals, a sealer paste and a rubber-like material will be used to fill and seal them.
We also might recommend oral antibiotics. Following treatment, a soft, temporary material will be used to cover the little space in the crown of the tooth.
By employing this sealant, the canals are protected from saliva damage. After the temporary filling has healed and any infection has been removed, our dentist will replace it with a permanent one.
Following the root canal procedure, you will need some sort of dental restoration, typically either a filling or dental crown. The dentist will speak to you about which option to choose.
After the Root Canal
It is important to reduce the stress on your teeth in the days and weeks following a root canal procedure.
It is especially important to avoid using the side of the mouth where the root canal occurred until the permanent dental restoration like a crown is implanted.
Eating soft foods and avoiding extremely hot or cold drinks can help you avoid discomfort after a root canal and speed up recovery.
You should even take care when you are brushing and flossing your teeth in the area where the root canal occurred, so you don't disrupt the seal or dental restoration.
Do You Need a Root Canal?
If you have recurrent tooth pain or swelling in your gums or mouth, please call us. When an infection is causing discomfort or swelling, our dentists frequently prescribe root canal therapy. If not treated, this infection can lead to pulp death, tooth loss, bone loss, and dental abscesses.
Schedule Your Root Canal with Trusted Dentists in Muscle Shoals, AL
Getting a root canal doesn't have to be scary. We take a lot of pride at Singing River Dentistry in making sure our patients feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Call us today at 256-712-3186 to discuss any questions you may have about getting a root canal.
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