Do I Need a Root Canal? What Happens During Treatment?
Root canal therapy is often misunderstood as a painful procedure to be avoided. However, root canal therapy is a treatment that can alleviate pain and restore your oral health. Explore root canal therapy, its symptoms, and why I may recommend endontic treatment for you at Premier Dental and Implant Center in Orland Park, IL.
Signs of a Tooth Infection
Be mindful of the following symptoms of an infected tooth.
Pain
Perhaps one of the most obvious signs you need root canal therapy is pain in the tooth or gums.
Abscess
If you have an abscess on your gums, this is a symptom of a tooth infection in the tooth roots.
Chronic Bad Breath
Bad breath that does not go away with proper oral hygiene is yet another symptom of an infection.
Red Gums
Red gums could be a sign of a tooth infection or gum disease. In either case, it is best to have your dentist examine you to prevent further complications.
Loose Teeth
Loose teeth can be caused by a variety of oral health issues. However, it could also be a sign of infection in the tooth roots.
Why Root Canals Are Needed
If you are in pain or have any symptoms of an infection, it is important to address it as soon as possible. When left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to other teeth, the jawbone, and even the sinus cavity. This can lead to serious oral and overall health concerns, including missing teeth, jawbone deterioration, and more.
A root canal can target the area of infection while preserving the tooth structure, eliminating the need for a tooth extraction or more invasive dental procedures.
How Is an Infection Diagnosed?
If you have any symptoms of an infection in the tooth roots, you will begin with a consultation at my Orland Park dental office. Your dentist will perform an exam and may order X-rays to get a full picture of your oral health. With that information, they can accurately diagnose an infection and recommend root canal therapy.
In some cases, I may be able to perform treatment on the same day if it is an emergency, such as extreme pain. However, in other cases, I may need to schedule your treatment. This is especially true if you require sedation and need someone to drive you home from your appointment.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions about root canal therapy is that it is painful. This is not true. In fact, root canal therapy can alleviate the painful symptoms of an infection.
Before your treatment begins, your dentist will numb the area. If you need extra comfort measures or suffer from dental anxiety, my practice offers multiple sedation options to ensure a comfortable and positive treatment. If at any point you experience pain, please inform me and my dental team so we can make any adjustments to ensure your comfort.
According to a study, pain associated with the root canal infection drops significantly within one day and is down to minimal levels within seven days.
Step-By-Step Root Canal Treatment
- I will begin treatment by numbing the area. This requires a quick injection. If you have dental anxiety, phobia, trouble sitting still, or are especially sensitive, please let my dental team know during your consultation. I offer several sedation options, including oral conscious sedation and IV sedation, depending on your needs. My goal is to ensure a comfortable and positive dental experience.
- Once you are thoroughly numbed, I