Root Canals

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a procedure to treat an infection or inflammation in the pulp — the soft tissue, including nerve fibers and blood vessels — at the center of a tooth. Left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to an abscess or require extraction.

What are the signs that I might need a root canal?

You probably need a root canal if you notice:

• Severe pain in the tooth
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and/or cold foods and drinks
• Swelling and tenderness in the tooth or surrounding gums
• A pimple on the gum tissue
• Pain when you bite down on the infected tooth

How is a root canal performed?

After administering an anesthetic, Dr. Singh drills into the pulp chamber at the center of your tooth. She removes the pulp, cleans and disinfects the interior of your tooth, and fills it with a rubbery substance called gutta percha to prevent future infection.

In most cases, Dr. Singh recommends that you return for a crown to cap and strengthen the damaged tooth.

Is a root canal painful?

The pain commonly associated with a root canal is actually the discomfort you’ve been feeling from the infection leading up to the procedure. The treatment itself is no more painful than a typical cavity filling.

At Singh Dental Center, Dr. Singh offers a variety of anesthetic choices. These options include a local anesthetic to numb the area where the root canal will be performed, but Dr. Singh may also offer oral conscious sedation, where she administers medication to help you relax without putting you fully to sleep.

What can I expect after a root canal procedure?

The root canal treatment should resolve the pain but often the tooth that caused the pain was severely decayed and may now need a crown to protect it. Dr. Singh can place your crown a week or more after the root canal procedure, once the gums surrounding the tooth have had time to recover.

You may feel some discomfort from the inflammation caused by the infection, but usually not from the procedure. Dr. Singh may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

It’s important to schedule regular checkups to maintain your oral health and prevent future problems. Prompt appointments for root canal treatments are available at Singh Dental Center — call for an appointment or book online.