If left untreated, an abscessed tooth will need to be extracted. Once a cavity is deep enough to breach the dental pulp (living tissue) inside your tooth, you’ll need to call our root canal dentist as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn the signs you need a root canal.
What are the signs I need a root canal?
It’s important to understand you may not show signs you need an emergency root canal until it’s too late to save the tooth. For this reason, it’s important to see your dentist every 6 months for routine dental checkups. During your preventive care appointment, we’ll be able to examine your mouth and take dental x-rays to make sure there are no cavities.
Call our dentist if you notice:
- Severe toothache
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold
- Tooth darkening in color
- Abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Swollen gums
READ MORE: How Can I Tell If I Have a Tooth Infection? >>
What can I expect during a root canal?
The goal of the root canal procedure is to save an abscessed tooth so it won’t need to be extracted. This means that your dentist will need to remove the decaying tooth nerve, along with the infected tooth pulp. Without root canal treatment, the tooth will die and need to be extracted.
First, your dentist will need to locally anesthetize the tooth so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. You’ll feel a slight pinch as your doctor injects the pain reliever. Next, your dentist will drill a small hole near the top of the tooth.
Once a sufficient opening has been made, your dentist will remove the infected dental pulp from the inside of your tooth. For good measure, your dentist may flush the inside of your tooth with water and anti-microbial solution to make sure any remaining pulp and bacteria is removed. Afterwards, a temporary filling will be used to seal the small hole.
A few weeks later, you will return to the dentist’s office to have a root canal crown fitted over your tooth so it looks and feels natural.
How do I recover from a root canal?
Once your root canal has been completed and your permanent dental crown has been attached, you should be able to eat and talk normally again. It’s normal to have some swelling, tenderness, and discomfort immediately after your root canal procedure. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter medication, and you can apply a cold compress to your face to help with the swelling. Our dentist will work with you to establish detailed aftercare instructions once your procedure is complete.
What should I do if I have a toothache?
If your tooth is starting to hurt, it’s important to call your dentist as soon as possible. A dentist will be able to take dental x-rays and examine your teeth so they can properly diagnose the problem. You should always schedule an appointment with your dentist at the first sign of dental discomfort. Be sure to describe your symptoms to the person answering your call so they can determine whether emergency dental care is appropriate for your situation.
Ready to Learn More?
Dr. Piotrowski DDS and his team do everything they can to save an abscessed tooth from needing dental extraction. We offer a range of restorative dentistry services like so you can continue smiling with confidence. To schedule an appointment with our Grand Rapids root canal dentist, call Precision Family Dental at (616) 949-1570.
This blog post has been updated.