Since you use your teeth so often, it is not uncommon to experience some sort of damage at one point or another. Everyday activities, such as playing sports or not following a good at-home oral care regimen can cause your teeth to become cracked or severely decayed. When this occurs, one of the solutions that endodontist in San Jose recommend is a root canal.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that aims to provide treatment for a tooth that has been severely decayed or badly infected. Although these procedure is sometimes associated with pain, the infection or damage to the tooth is the source of the pain – not the procedure. During the procedure, the portion of the tooth that has been infected or damaged is removed in order to restore health to the tooth and relive any symptoms that you may be experiencing.
What are Signs that a Root Canal is Needed?
Although there are no signs that are solely indicative of a need for a root canal, there are several symptoms that generally occur when a root canal is needed.
* A tender feeling or swelling in the gums around the affected tooth
* Uncomfortable toothache pain that intensifies under pressure, such as chewing
* A dark, or otherwise, discolored tooth
* Pimple on the gums near the affected tooth
* Severe sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even after the object has been removed from your mouth
What to Expect from the Procedure?
A root canal is typically completed in one to two visits. The number of visits needed to complete the procedure is determined by the level of damage to the tooth. It generally begins with an X-ray. The purpose of the X-ray is to help the dental provider better determine to what level the tooth is damaged. Only after the provider has determined this can they move forward with care. After the X-Ray, a access hole is drilled into the damaged tooth in order to remove the pulp, nerve and other debris in the area. After everything has been removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned and sealed for protection.
