Root Canal Therapy
People sometimes feel anxious when they learn that they need root canal therapy in Des Moines IA to preserve their natural tooth. However, there is no need to feel that way since root canals are not any more uncomfortable or invasive than any other dental procedure.
Why Our Dentists Perform Root Canals
The most typical reason for needing a root canal is that the pulp within your tooth chamber has become infected. Cracked teeth and deep cavities allow bacteria to invade the tooth pulp and cause a painful condition known as pulpitis.
Symptoms Associated with Infected Tooth Pulp
Dental pain is common, and it can be challenging to determine the cause and what you should do about it. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the symptoms listed below that indicate you could need a root canal. Unfortunately, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away, as you will likely need to have your infected tooth extracted later. Keep in mind that bacteria from an untreated infected tooth could spread from your mouth to the rest of your body and cause additional health problems.
- Discolored tooth, which occurs due to the infection inside your tooth chamber preventing normal blood flow. Your tooth takes on a dark or black appearance.
- Loose teeth.
- Pain when you touch your tooth or bite into food.
- Pus or pimples on your gum line.
- Tooth pain that does not subside despite home remedies like taking over-the-counter pain medications or applying a hot or cold compress to your cheek. You should be especially concerned if the pain spreads to your face or other teeth.
- Swollen or tender gums and/or jaws.
Although having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you need a root canal, your body is obviously sending you a signal that something is wrong. Please do not ignore the discomfort and try to power through it. Ingersoll Dental Group is here to help you feel better as quickly as possible.
What to Expect During Your Root Canal Procedure
Before recommending a root canal, Dr. De Lancey or Dr. Kouri will take X-rays to determine if the tooth pulp has died or whether it is infected or inflamed. Your X-rays help our dentists choose the right treatment plan for you. The dentist working with you will also check for tooth sensitivity and look for signs like pus, pimples, or swollen gums.
On the day of your root canal, Dr. De Lancey or Dr. Kouri will provide you with anesthesia to ensure that you do not feel pain during the procedure. After numbing you up, the next step is to place a piece of rubber, known as a dental dam, over your infected tooth and the gum tissue surrounding it. The purpose of this step is to keep your tooth dry and free of saliva while our dentist works on it.
Next, Dr. De Lancey or Dr. Kouri remove the diseased pulp from inside the chamber of your tooth by drilling a tiny hole in it. They remove nerves and blood vessels at the same time and then apply material called gutta-percha to fill the empty space inside your tooth chamber. You then receive a dental filling and a crown to protect the tooth from further infection.
Are you concerned that you need root canal therapy in Des Moines, IA? Please schedule an appointment with Ingersoll Dental Group if you recognize any of the symptoms above or just know that something is off with your oral health.
