The words “root canal” tend to strike fear in people. Root canal procedures don’t have a very good reputation. At Hamilton Dental Designs, Dr. Jose Gil works with Dr. Julee Gil, an experienced endodontist. She’s experienced in performing root canals while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible. Learn more about root canals at your Allenwood, PA dentist.
What is a Root Canal?
The root canal is actually a part of your tooth. It’s the hollow chamber inside it that holds the dental pulp and nerves. When most people talk about a root canal, however, they mean a root canal procedure. A root canal procedure is done when the dental pulp becomes infected. It removes the infected material and seals the tooth off from further infection.
How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?
Some people don’t have any symptoms that indicate that they need this procedure. It may only be detected by their Allenwood, PA dentist during a regular checkup. If you do have symptoms, the most common one is pain. It’s often sharp, comes on suddenly, and is noticed more when you’re biting or chewing food.
In addition, you may notice that your tooth has prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages. The gums around this tooth may become swollen and inflamed. You may also notice that the tooth is discolored and darker. This is due to the infection within it.
The Root Canal Process
To start, the dentist will confirm the need for a root canal during a regular checkup or an appointment you made because you’re concerned. Another appointment will be made specifically for the root canal procedure.
At this appointment, you’ll be given a local anesthetic to start. We want you to stay comfortable throughout the procedure. If you have dental anxiety or certain health conditions, we also offer sedation dentistry to make sure you can remain calm. Then, a small hole is drilled into the back of your tooth. This hole is so a specific tool can be used to remove the infected material.
Once the infected material is removed, the inside of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned to ensure no remnants remain. It’s filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to stabilize the tooth. The tooth is then sealed with a dental filling so that the infection can’t spread anymore.
In most cases, a custom dental crown will be made to finish the restoration. This will match the shade, shape, and size of the rest of your teeth. It’s made out of a material that will also feel and act like a natural tooth. This is to give you back your full bite function and make sure you can have full use of your tooth.
Rather than causing pain, many patients say that a root canal eases their pain. Usually, when the infection is gone and is no longer putting pressure on your tooth, your pain will be gone as well. Patients compare a root canal to simply getting a dental filling.
Root Canals at Your Allenwood, Pennsylvania Dentist
Do you think you may need a root canal? Call us or schedule an appointment online!