Don't be alarmed if you're told you need a root canal procedure. Today, it's as routine and comfortable as a dental filling and offers the best solution for toothache pain relief, saving a damaged tooth, and keeping your natural smile intact.
Preserve Your Beautiful Smile
With a remarkable success rate exceeding 90%, root canal procedures are the ultimate way to save teeth severely compromised by decay or injury. Maintaining your natural dentition is vital for your overall well-being, and root canal therapy is a widely recommended procedure, performed close to 15 million times annually across the United States.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
Inside each tooth lies dental pulp, housing vital connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. These tissues nourish your tooth, keep it vital, and alert you to issues. Signs you may require a root canal include:
- Unresolved, persistent pain, especially at night.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold items.
- Discomfort when biting or the slightest touch.
- Darkened, discolored tooth.
- Chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth.
- Swelling around the tooth and gums.
- Tooth mobility due to tissue and bone damage.
The Importance of Timely Care
While these signs may indicate other dental problems, prompt evaluation and care are necessary. Delaying the procedure increases the risk of severe symptoms and oral health consequences. Dental infections can even affect your overall health.
How Is a Root Canal Procedure Performed?
Modern dental instruments and advanced techniques ensure non-surgical root canals are as comfortable as dental fillings. Depending on factors like the number of canals, anatomy, and active infection presence, some root canals may require 2-3 appointments.
During a root canal procedure, our dentist will:
- Remove the diseased dental pulp.
- Clean the tooth's internal portion.
- Fill all prepared canals with biocompatible filling material.
We prioritize your comfort, and root canal therapy is usually performed under local anesthesia. Dental sedation options are available to reduce anxiety if needed.
What to Expect After a Root Canal
Following your root canal treatment, you may experience:
- Temporary numbness after anesthesia.
- Post-procedure discomfort, usually subsiding within days.
- Medications as prescribed.
- Gentle care for the treated tooth.
- Regular oral hygiene to support healing.
- Timely placement of a permanent crown or restoration.
With proper maintenance, a tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime.
At Hampton Smiles, we prioritize your care and comfort. If you have any concerns, continuing discomfort, signs of an infection, or post-procedure questions, CALL our office for prompt attention and care. Your comfort and oral health are our priorities.
