How to Know if You Need a Root Canal | Brightwork Family Dentistry
As a leading dentist in Richmond, VA, we pride ourselves on creating a relaxing environment for our patients. In our experience, understanding the procedure you need can alleviate worry and help you go into your appointment calmly. So, what is a Root Canal, and what are the signs that you may need one?
Root canals are prevalent procedures used to treat infections in tooth pulp. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic, roughly 15 million root canals are performed annually in the US. If you are looking for a dentist who performs root canals in the Richmond, VA, area, Dr. Crowley and his team are equipped to safely and effectively conduct these procedures in our office, thus relieving you of a potentially painful feeling.
When Do I Need a Root Canal?
You may ask yourself, how do I know if I need a root canal? What are root canal symptoms? What are the signs? The answer is twofold. First, your Brightwork team may tell you during your routine dental cleaning appointment that it’s time for a root canal procedure. Or you may experience symptoms like swollen gums, tooth pain, or pressure.
It can be easy to panic if you’re feeling tooth pain. But before you start frantically Googling “root canal near me,” call Dr. Crowley and our team to schedule a consultation appointment. We can evaluate your situation and recommend the best treatment option for you.
“Some of the symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include sensitivity to cold drinks, discomfort when chewing food, and swelling of the tissue surrounding the tooth,” says Dr. Crowley.
Why is A Root Canal Needed?
Root canals are performed when there is an infection present in the tooth that causes intense pain in your mouth. Root canal symptoms can vary depending on the patient and the severity of the infection in the tooth pulp. However, these are some of the common signs that you may need a root canal:
Swollen gums: because of the infection in your tooth, your gums may be swollen or tender
Swollen jaw: similar to the swelling in your gums, your jaw may become swollen from infection around the tooth
Pressure: if your tooth feels pressure when you eat or touch it, it may signify damage from the infection
Tooth Pain: probably the most common symptom. Pain deep in the tooth or that spreads to your jaw or face may mean you have an infection.
What is the Procedure for a Root Canal?
Root canals are relatively standard procedures. Our Richmond dentist team, including Dr. Crowley and Dr. Lachini, are experienced in performing root canals, allowing patients to get back to living life quickly.
“In general, getting a root canal is routine, painless, and quick. Most people are surprised at how much easier the procedure was than expected,” explains Dr. Crowley.
Here at Brightwork, before we begin your root canal procedure, we’ll perform some tests to measure the extent of the infection, such as:
Tapping your tooth or using hot or cold substances to check for sensitivity.
Checking for swelling around the gums and bone of the tooth
Checking for pain when biting down
Conducting an electric pulp test to see if your tooth pulp reacts
During your root canal procedure, your dentist will remove the affected tooth pulp and then clean the inside of your tooth before resealing it. The step-by-step procedure is outlined below.
Root Canal Procedure:
We will use localized anesthesia to ensure your comfort. We also offer several sedation dentistry options to help you relax more if necessary.
Your tooth will be isolated with a rubber dental dam to keep your tooth dry during your root canal procedure.
A small hole will be made in your tooth.
After that, our team will use specialized instruments to remove the damaged nerves, blood vessels, and pulp from your tooth.
Next, your dentist will disinfect your tooth chamber and root canals.
Then, your chamber will be filled with a rubber material called gutta-percha to help keep your tooth strong.
Lastly, our team will seal your tooth with a dental filling and install a dental crown to ensure your bite is restored a few weeks later.
If you are looking for more information on what to expect with a Root canal, our team offers additional resources about the causes, symptoms, and treatment plans that your Brightwork dentist will follow. It’s that simple! Root canals can seem like a scary, lengthy procedure, but our expert team of Richmond dentists here at Brightwork are committed to making it easy and keeping your smile healthy.
Have additional questions? Book an appointment today to find out if you are in need of a Root canal. We’re here to determine the right root cancel treatment for you.