Fuller Dental provides advanced care for dental problems, including endodontics for severe tooth decay or damage. Endodontics includes root canals, a procedure designed to save the structure of your natural tooth. Our dental care team will recommend a root canal whenever possible to avoid having to remove a tooth. This treatment also avoids disrupting your natural bite structure.

Root canals have come a long way, and today’s patients can enjoy a procedure similar to a tooth filling. Root canal therapy relieves the pain and discomfort that is the sign of infection or damage within the tooth.

What To Expect With A Root Canal

A root canal treatment will begin with creating a small opening in the back of the tooth to access the interior tooth pulp. We remove the infected pulp and fill the interior tooth chamber with a biocompatible material. This will stabilize the tooth’s structure. We will reseal the tooth and place the dental crown at a subsequent visit to strengthen and preserve the tooth. This will support long-term dental health and prevent future infection or damage.

We will complete the root canal in one visit, and most patients will resume their daily routine. We may recommend a softer diet for a day or two. You can also take an over-the-counter pain medication for any mild discomfort from the procedure.

Signs You May Need A Root Canal

A root canal is a dental procedure that treats infection or damage in the pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth. It can sound scary, but saving a tooth from further damage is often necessary. If you’re experiencing certain symptoms, it might be a sign that you need a root canal.

Persistent Tooth Pain

One of the most common signs that you may need a root canal is persistent tooth pain. This pain can range from mild to severe, and it may be constant or come and go. The pain is usually felt deep inside the tooth, near the root, and it can often get worse when you chew or apply pressure to the tooth. If you experience long-lasting or intense pain, visiting your dentist is important, as it could be a sign that the pulp inside the tooth is infected or damaged.

Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

If you notice that your tooth is especially sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks, it could be a sign that the nerve inside the tooth is damaged. This sensitivity might last longer than a few seconds or become more intense when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. While some sensitivity can be normal, if it’s prolonged or happens frequently, it could indicate that the tooth’s pulp is infected and needs a root canal.

Swollen or Tender Gums

Swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth is another sign that you might need a root canal. Infected pulp can cause inflammation in the surrounding gums, leading to redness, swelling, or even the development of a small pimple-like bump on the gum tissue. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get checked by your dentist to determine whether a root canal is necessary.

Tooth Discoloration

If a tooth becomes discolored, turning darker than the rest of your teeth, it could be a sign that the pulp inside the tooth has been damaged or infected. This discoloration occurs when the blood vessels and nerves inside the tooth are affected. A root canal can remove the infected pulp and restore the tooth to its natural appearance, preventing further damage.

Frequent Gum Infections

If you notice that the same tooth or surrounding gums become infected repeatedly, it could be a sign of an untreated issue deep within the tooth. These infections can cause pain, swelling, and the formation of abscesses. A root canal can help clear the infection and prevent further issues, as it removes the infected pulp and seals the tooth to prevent bacteria from getting in.

Cracked or Chipped Tooth

A cracked or chipped tooth can also lead to the need for a root canal, especially if the crack goes deep enough to affect the pulp. If the crack exposes the inner part of the tooth, bacteria can enter and cause infection. If you experience pain after a crack or chip, it may mean that the damage has reached the pulp, and a root canal might be necessary to save the tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Root Canals Painful?

One of the most common misconceptions about root canals is their reputation for being painful. The pain often comes from the infection in the soft tissue inside your tooth. It causes swelling and pressure, which becomes painful the longer it goes on without treatment.

A root canal can actually relieve the pain you’re feeling. Drilling a hole into the tooth allows that pressure to escape while removing the infected dental pulp rids you of the pain stemming from the infection itself. You shouldn’t feel anything more than you would with a dental filling. While a root canal can seem daunting, it’s the best solution to relieve pain and improve oral health.

If you notice any of these symptoms or signs or have concerns about a tooth’s health, schedule a visit with one of our Burlington area dentists at Fuller Dental. Prompt treatment can often mean a better outcome.

Can I eat normally after a root canal?

You should avoid eating until the numbness wears off. This will prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue. Stick to soft foods for a day or two, and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration is placed to protect it.

How to prevent dry socket after a root canal?

Dry socket is not a concern after a root canal because the tooth remains in place. Dry socket happens when a blood clot is lost after an extraction, but since a root canal preserves the tooth structure, there is no open socket. However, following post-treatment care, such as avoiding hard foods and maintaining good oral hygiene, helps ensure proper healing.

Can I drive myself home after a root canal?

Yes, you can drive yourself home after a root canal if only local anesthesia is used. If you received sedation or feel lightheaded, it’s best to arrange for someone to drive you. Most patients can return to normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Can pregnant women get root canals?

Yes, pregnant women can safely get a root canal, especially if the infection is causing pain or poses a risk to overall health. The second trimester is the safest time for dental procedures. Your dentist will use pregnancy-safe anesthesia and may postpone X-rays unless absolutely necessary.

Will I need antibiotics after a root canal?

Most root canals do not require antibiotics unless a severe infection has spread beyond the tooth. We may prescribe antibiotics if significant swelling, fever, or an abscess needs additional treatment. Proper cleaning and sealing of the tooth usually eliminate the infection without needing medication.