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Root canals get a bad rap, but they’re an important option that can save a tooth and prevent serious complications. However, our team at Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona understands that getting a root canal can feel intimidating. We proudly provide gentle root canal treatment in Phoenix and Gilbert to get you out of pain and back to enjoying a strong healthy smile.
This quick guide explains what a root canal is, why you may need a root canal, and what to expect when you get a root canal.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a hollow area that runs through the root of a tooth to provide access for small nerves and blood vessels to reach the pulp chamber inside the tooth. This is how your tooth receives nutrients and minerals that keep it strong and healthy, and how you can feel things like how hard you’re biting or if there’s a problem with your tooth.
Root canal therapy or root canal treatment is a procedure to clean out these hollow areas inside a tooth if they have become infected or inflamed. It’s a proven way to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted to prevent serious risks to your health.
When Should I Have a Root Canal?
There are many symptoms that could mean you need a root canal. Root canals are frequently an emergency dental treatment to resolve severe toothaches or sudden symptoms. However, it’s also possible that your dentist would recommend planning for root canal therapy if they spot areas of concern on X-rays or during a routine check-up, even if your tooth feels fine.
Here are a few common indications that you may need a root canal:
- Very large or deep cavity
- Cracked or fractured tooth
- Intense toothache that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain medication
- Sharp sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers for several seconds
- Discoloration or darkening of a tooth, especially if it has a history of trauma
- New or changing sensitivity, especially to heat
- Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums
- Pain that radiates to the jaw, face, or other teeth
- Pain when you bite down or tap on a tooth
- Tender or swollen gums, or a pimple on the gums
During your consultation for root canal treatment in Phoenix or Gilbert, our team will carefully evaluate the tooth by testing for sensitivity to triggers like temperature changes or percussion. We’ll also use advanced diagnostic imaging to look for hidden issues like infection near the root tip.
What to Expect with Root Canal Treatment
Whether it’s a planned treatment or you need an emergency root canal in Arizona, you’re in the best possible hands with our team. We use advanced imaging, equipment, and techniques to ensure a smooth, comfortable procedure. Here’s what happens during root canal treatment.
- After carefully evaluating your symptoms and diagnostic tests, we’ll create a custom treatment plan for your unique needs.
- We’ll thoroughly numb the area to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. If you’re very anxious about getting a root canal, we also offer sedation options to help you relax.
- We’ll remove any damaged tooth structure and gently access the pulp chamber inside the tooth.
- We’ll clean out the pulp chamber and root canals to remove any infected or inflamed tissue.
- We’ll seal the tooth from the inside using a specialized material called gutta percha. This protects the tooth from getting infected again.
- In some cases, we’ll place a temporary restoration such as a crown or filling to protect the tooth while we give it time to heal.
- Once we have confirmed that the root canal treatment was effective and your symptoms have resolved, we’ll place the permanent restoration to protect the tooth. For molar teeth, this usually involves a dental crown to keep it strong. Front teeth may need a veneer or crown to correct discoloration and restore your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
In most cases, a root canal treatment can be performed in a single visit, although you may need another one or two visits to place the restoration afterward. We also recommend a quick follow-up appointment to check on how everything is healing and ensure that the treatment was successful.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
In most cases, no. With modern techniques and anesthetics, root canal treatments are usually much more comfortable than people expect. In fact, the procedure can feel similar to getting a filling. Remember that the goal of a root canal is to relieve pain and prevent it from coming back!
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
Your tooth may feel sore for a few days after the procedure. After the first few days, tenderness should subside and your tooth should start to feel normal again. However, if the infection was severe, it may take a bit longer for things to calm down. If your pain doesn’t improve or gets worse, it’s important to schedule a follow-up visit to figure out what’s going on.
Is a Root Canal Safe?
Yes. Root canal therapy is a safe, predictable treatment with decades of proven results. In fact, timely root canal treatment can prevent serious medical complications from untreated dental infections, such as sepsis, swelling that can block the airway, infections in the heart and brain, and blood clots that can cause dangerous complications elsewhere in the body.
We understand that harmful myths about root canals being dangerous or bad for your health can make it hard to decide the best approach for your smile. However, decades of research have repeatedly confirmed that there is no evidence that root canal treatment elevates your risks for other health issues.
We’re Here to Resolve Your Pain and Save Your Smile
Whether you need an emergency root canal treatment in Phoenix or Gilbert or you’re looking for a trusted team to save your smile, we’re proud to offer comprehensive dental care in one convenient place. We use the most updated techniques and materials to provide gentle, reliable care from start to finish. Get in touch to schedule your consultation for root canal treatment in Arizona today!
