Root Canals Q & A

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What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure intended to remove oral discomfort and restore your tooth. One of the skilled dentists at Coxsackie Dental Arts eliminates the bacteria and any dead or dying tissue from inside your tooth if it becomes severely infected. Doing so lets them get rid of your pain and preserve your tooth.

 

How can the root of a tooth become infected?

Tissue and roots inside of your teeth can get infected with bacteria due to injury to the tooth or from a cavity that remains untreated for too long. If you don’t visit the dentist, the infected tissue may spread into the root or pulp of the tooth. Be sure to inquire about treatment, because if the infection gets any further, this can induce a host of other problems.

 

What are the symptoms of an infected tooth?

If you don't deal with an infected tooth right away, you'll be welcoming a great deal of pain in the future. Infected tooth symptoms might include:

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• Inflamed gums

• Tooth soreness while chewing

• Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

• Bad breath

• Pus coming from around the tooth

• Painful aching in your jaw and mouth

• Darkening color of the tooth

• A bump on your gum like a small pimple

 

How does a root canal work?

Dr. Froehlich at Coxsackie Dental Arts can take care of your tooth in one or two visits. You may first need X-rays so the dentist can judge the magnitude of damage to the tooth needing a root canal.

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Dr. Froehlich at Coxsackie Dental Arts will use a needle to numb the region and make sure you don't feel anything during the procedure. Occasionally, they stick a dental dam, or a small film of rubber, on your tooth to keep it hygienic and shielded while the procedure is happening. After anesthesia is applied, the dentist makes a small incision in your tooth to access the area of infection inside the root.

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After this, your dentist will clear away the unhealthy and infected pulp, then irrigate the area with water to clean it. Ance all damaged substance is extracted, your dentist will either place a temporary filling on your tooth or seal it for protection until you come back for your permanent crown.

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Book a consultation online or call Coxsackie Dental Arts if you show even a minor symptom or sign of tooth infection. It could be more serious than you think.