Do you have sensitive teeth? Do you regularly experience tooth pain or toothaches? You may have a dental infection and need a root canal. At Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer comprehensive root canal treatment in Raleigh, NC. This general dentistry treatment can prevent lost teeth and preserve the natural tooth.
Dental infections occur when harmful bacteria enter a tooth. A dental injury or poor oral health can create holes called cavities. As harmful bacteria enter a tooth, they can affect the dental pulp within. The dental pulp consists of the cells, nerves, and blood vessels that keep teeth alive. Removing infected pulp can save teeth.
Common Signs of Dental Infection
There are many common symptoms of an infected tooth:
Severe Tooth Pain
One of the most obvious signs is severe tooth pain. If you have intense, ongoing pain in a specific tooth, it could indicate an infection in the pulp. This pain might feel sharp, throbbing, or like a constant ache. It can worsen when you chew or apply pressure to the tooth, making it difficult to eat or drink comfortably.
Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
Another sign to watch for is increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. If a tooth is sensitive after consuming hot foods or drinks or cold items like ice cream, this sensitivity may linger even after you stop eating or drinking. This could be a sign of nerve damage within the tooth.
Swelling and Tenderness
If you notice swelling in your gums near the painful tooth, this could indicate an infection. The swollen area may feel tender or sore to the touch, and you might even see a bump on your gums, which can be a sign of an abscess. The swelling is your body’s response to infection and should be addressed promptly.
Discoloration
Pay attention to any changes in the color of your tooth. If a tooth becomes dark or discolored, it may mean that the pulp inside is damaged or dead. This color change often signals needing a root canal to remove the affected pulp and restore the tooth’s health.
Recurring Gum Infections
If you experience frequent infections or abscesses in your gums around a particular tooth, this is another sign that something may be wrong. These recurring infections can suggest that the pulp is infected and may require a root canal to prevent further complications.
Contact us if you notice any of these symptoms. Over time, tooth pain or sensitivity can lead to cavities and tooth abscesses. Ultimately, patients with severe tooth decay can lose permanent teeth. Call our dental office as soon as possible to avoid tooth loss and keep your smile healthy. Our dentist office will do everything possible to save your tooth and avoid a tooth extraction.
Root Canal Treatment in Raleigh, NC
Before treatment, we take dental X-rays to see which teeth are affected. We will also note any cavities or pits in the enamel.
We numb the treated tooth with a local anesthetic to begin the root canal procedure. Patients will not feel any pain during their procedure. Then, we will make a small hole in the tooth to access the tooth chamber. We remove the infected dental pulp, shape the tooth chamber, and disinfect the tooth. Finally, we seal the tooth with a dental filling. White dental fillings are made of compatible material that keeps the tooth sealed to prevent reinfection.
We may also recommend a dental crown to strengthen the affected tooth for patients with weakened or damaged teeth. Dental crowns fully cover teeth to provide durability and balance the bite.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but the procedure itself is not usually painful. In fact, a root canal relieves pain caused by an infection or damage to a tooth.
Our dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic during the procedure, so you won’t feel pain while they work. You might feel some pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt. After the numbness wears off, it’s normal to feel some mild discomfort or soreness for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers help manage this.
Root canals are designed to save your tooth and stop the pain from infection or decay, so the relief is often immediate once the infection is removed. If you’re anxious about the procedure, we can discuss options to help you stay comfortable.
Root Canal Post-Op Care
After your root canal, it’s normal to feel sensitivity or discomfort in the treated tooth. This happens because the tissue around your tooth may be a bit irritated from the procedure. We want to make sure you heal properly and feel as comfortable as possible, so here are some tips for your recovery:
Treat Pain and Swelling
After your root canal, you might experience mild pain or tenderness. To manage this, we usually recommend taking over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen. These help reduce both pain and swelling. Make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label or the advice we give you.
To help minimize swelling, use a warm saltwater rinse. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gently rinse your mouth with it. This soothes your gums and helps keep the area clean as it heals.
Eat Carefully
Avoid eating hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods for a few days after your root canal, as these can irritate the treated tooth. If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Soft foods, like soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes, are good options during the healing process.
Avoid Tobacco
Do not use tobacco products before and after your root canal. Smoking or using other tobacco products can slow down your healing and increase the chances of complications like infection. Tobacco also reduces blood flow to the area, which is essential for healing. When your body doesn’t get enough blood flow, it can’t send the necessary nutrients and oxygen to help your tissues recover.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Call Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for comfortable root canal treatment in Raleigh, NC, today at 919.295.0936. You can also request a dental appointment on our website.