Rainy days are usually something you enjoy. The change in weather brings clarity, as everyone decides to stay in and your phone doesn’t ring. Whether you need to catch up on work, clean, or simply enjoy doing nothing for a change, a rainy day is one of those rare occasions where time in on your side. Except today you’re forced to sit in front of the TV holding a cold bag of peas against your face. Your tooth has been throbbing all day. The only pain worse than this would be a root canal, right? What may surprise you is that a root canal in Richardson is no more painful than any other routine visit to the dentist. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait to visit CityLine Dental Center to take care of that severe toothache.
Do I Need A Root Canal?
Your teeth go through a lot of stress during day. The simple act of eating requires quite a bit of force, which is why tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body. Naturally occurring bacteria feed on the remanence of food left on your teeth, creating plaque. Plaque has an acidic quality, and this is what can break down your teeth and cause cavities. Usually people get their cavity treated while it is limited to the enamel, but if left alone it can work its way to the dental pulp. This is where the nerve of the tooth resides, which is why this particular infection could be very painful. Other signs that your dental pulp could be infected are:
- Severe, persistent dental pain
- Lasting sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Redness or swelling around the gums near the tooth
- A bump on the gums near a tooth
These signs point to an advanced infection in the tooth, in which case the treatment will probably be a root canal.
How Does A Root Canal Work?
First things first: a root canal is not some extremely painful procedure that Jack Bauer uses to interrogate people. It is a routine procedure that Dr. Stampe performs regularly to help relieve pain, not cause it. Typically the pain associated with a root canal is due to the infection, not the procedure itself. You will be locally anesthetized before the procedure to assure that you feel no physical discomfort. A root canal takes 3 basic steps:
- Dr. Stampe will create an access hole in your tooth to reach the infected dental pulp
- She will remove the pulp and disinfect the area
- She will then seal up the tooth
If Dr. Stampe needs to remove a large portion of the tooth’s structure, she may suggest a dental crown to help reinforce it. Typically, your tooth may be sensitive for a few days after the procedure, but it should feel much better than when you came into the office.
We’re Here To Help
The idea of a root canal can make people very nervous and prevent them from getting the dental care that they need. The team at CityLine Dental Center want you to know that your comfort is one of their top priorities, so you never have a reason to fear coming in. We want to help relieve your pain, so please come see us today.