Did you know that one of the fundamental roles of our tonsils is to defend against pathogens? When germs enter our mouth or nose, tonsils trap them and initiate immune responses. Although tonsils help with immunity, especially in childhood, they can also cause problems like chronic tonsillitis or sleep apnea. When your tonsils do more harm than good, you might need them taken out. Similarly, the inner part of a tooth may also need to be removed. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, we may recommend a root canal, which removes the infected pulp inside your tooth and alleviates your pain.
Understanding Root Canals
Dentists perform root canal treatments on about 15 million teeth a year! The purpose is to remove the inflamed or infected pulp from your tooth to provide pain relief and save the tooth from extraction. The pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth and is made up of blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves. It’s essential for the development of the tooth, but much like your tonsils, you can function without it if it becomes problematic.
You may find yourself in need of a root canal if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Severe and persistent tooth pain
- Discomfort while eating
- Sudden tooth discoloration
- Swollen gums or pimples on the gums
If you have been struggling with any of these symptoms, trust Bivona Family Dentistry to work with you and find the best solution.
Common Root Canal Misconceptions
The words “root canal” can send many people into an anxious spiral due to its history as a painful and intimidating procedure. Thankfully, those days are behind us. With advancements in dental technology and medical practices, root canals today are a proven method for substantial pain relief!
So, what’s causing your tooth pain? Often, it starts with enamel breaking down, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth. Once inside, bacteria can infect the pulp, leading to severe pain and discomfort.
In some cases, a root canal is the best solution. Using local anesthesia and special tools, our dentists carefully remove the infected or dead pulp, eliminating the infection and restoring your pain-free smile.
The Root Canal Procedure
The first step in the root canal procedure is to ensure it’s the right treatment for you. We’ll ask about your symptoms, perform an exam, and take X-rays to determine the best path forward. If you do need a root canal, we will prepare you and your tooth for the procedure.
To make sure you are comfortable and don’t feel any pain, we’ll administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. We will also place a thin sheet of rubber over the infected area so the tooth stays dry.
Next, we’ll carefully drill a tiny hole in the top of your tooth to reveal the pulp. We then remove the pulp using specialized instruments to prevent the nerve tissue from causing you any more pain. Once the pulp has been removed, we’ll clean the area and fill it with a thermoplastic material.
Finally, we’ll seal the area with a filling to further protect it from bacteria and then place a crown to restore its original look. Recovery typically takes less than a week, though your teeth may be sensitive to hard foods for the first few days. Soon, you’ll be back to enjoying a fully restored and healthy tooth!
Contact Bivona Family Dentistry Today for Tooth Pain Relief!
If you’re experiencing severe pain or swelling, it could mean your tooth pulp is infected. Don’t let outdated fears keep you from relief—a root canal might be the best solution! With modern advancements, our root canal procedures are more effective and comfortable than ever. Contact Bivona Family Dentistry to find out if a root canal is the right choice for your pain relief.
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