What You Need to Know About Root Canal Treatment
A severely damaged, cracked, or cavity-filled tooth can lead to infection or inflammation of the tooth’s pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue inside teeth containing nerves and blood vessels. If left untreated, these issues can cause significant pain and worsen over time. Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, aims to resolve these issues and restore the tooth’s function.
Common Symptoms of Tooth Infection
It’s essential to recognize the signs that may indicate the need for a root canal:
- Persistent Tooth or Gum Pain: Ongoing discomfort or pain in the tooth or surrounding gum area.
- Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to heat or cold.
- Tenderness: Discomfort when the tooth is touched.
- Visual Signs: Discoloration of the tooth, pus, redness, or swelling in the jaw.
Sometimes, an infected tooth may not display any symptoms. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays with Dr. Martin Orro are crucial to detect issues before they become severe.
Understanding Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment involves the removal of the affected pulp and nerves from inside the tooth. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
Diagnosis: Dr. Orro assesses the extent of the infection and plans the treatment.
Cleaning: Dr. Orro removes the damaged pulp and cleans the affected area.
Sealing: The cleaned area is sealed to avoid future infections.
Restoration: A dental crown is usually placed on the tooth to protect and strengthen it.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately or within a day or two.
What Happens After a Root Canal?
It is normal to experience mild soreness for a few days after treatment. This is due to the body adjusting to the changes in the tooth and surrounding tissues. You may also notice some tenderness around the treated area, which should gradually subside. Following Dr. Orro’s aftercare instructions, such as avoiding hard foods and taking prescribed medications, will aid in a smooth recovery.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last?
With proper care, a tooth with a root canal can last a lifetime. The key to longevity is maintaining good oral hygiene practices and attending regular dental check-ups. Routine cleaning and examinations help ensure the tooth’s health and surrounding structures.
Are There Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment?
In some cases, if a root canal is impossible or the patient prefers, alternatives include extracting the affected tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge. However, preserving the natural tooth is typically preferred, as it maintains its functionality and alignment.
Why Choose Us for Your Root Canal Treatment
Our dental office in Lancaster specializes in root canal procedures, providing effective treatment for residents in Lancaster and the surrounding areas. With our years of experience, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care to relieve pain and restore your dental health.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re experiencing symptoms that may require a root canal. Our team is here to offer the care and support you need.
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canals are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist if any symptoms or discomfort occur.
 Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation Today
Don’t let tooth pain or infection disrupt your life. Contact our Lancaster office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Martin Orro for root canal treatment. Call The BLVD Dentist today at (661) 943-2938 to book your appointment and get back to enjoying a pain-free smile.
