Root Canals
Root canals are sometimes necessary to save teeth. The dentists at Creek Dental perform root canals on patients who have decay — and possibly a bacterial infection — in the root of their tooth.
The first sign of decay in a tooth root is usually pain. However, pockets of decay and inflammation can also be discovered by taking X-rays.
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(801)824-2280
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
If a tooth root is infected and this infection is not cleaned out, it could lead to tooth loss. Teeth become infected due to a number of causes. One reason is a particularly deep cavity. Or, you may previously have had a cavity filled in that tooth, and decay may have set in below it. Another possible way your tooth pulp has become infected is if your tooth is cracked. Teeth can have hairline cracks that are so thin you can’t even see them — but you might be able to feel them if you bite down on something hard!
Any of these situations — or even simple genetics — could lead to tooth pulp becoming infected. With a serious infection, you may feel constant pain. With a more mild infection, however, you may only feel pain when eating, or when drinking hot or cold beverages.
If a root canal is recommended by our dentists, the goal is to save the tooth. The longer you wait to undergo the procedure, the greater the chances are that the tooth will need to be extracted. If this happens, you will then need to consider a dental implant or bridge to replace the missing tooth.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Getting a root canal, despite its notorious reputation, is much like getting a tooth filled. Our dentists start by numbing the area, then drill through the enamel in your tooth to access the infected pulp below. Next, we clean out the pulp and disinfect the area. Last, our dentists fill the tooth with a special material that prevents more bacteria from getting into the tooth.
Sometimes a root canal can be done in one visit, but other times two is better. One reason our dentists might recommend two visits is because of the time it takes to complete a root canal. Often, our dentists need 90 minutes from start to finish, and it can be tiring for some patients to keep their mouth open for that long.
Also, if the root canal is complicated, it may be advantageous to wait in between cleaning out the pulp and filling the tooth to see if any problems arise.
Root Canals Are Not Scary
Our dentists believe one of the reasons the prospect of a root canal is met with disdain is the length of time necessary to complete the procedure. Patients want dental procedures to be over with quickly, but sometimes, that just isn’t possible.
Regardless, the dentists at Creek Dental always make sure you are comfortable during any procedure you undergo at our dental office, and that includes root canals.
If you’re having pain or discomfort in a tooth, call the Creek Dental offices in Salt Lake City or Layton for an appointment. You might not even need a root canal!
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