Root Canals
A Toothache’s Best Friend
Root canals are necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes diseased or injured. Without treatment, severe tooth and jaw pain can develop, the tissue surrounding the tooth can become infected, abscesses may form, and a fever may occur.
Once an infection has begun in the tooth, breakdown of the tissues begins and and bacteria multiply. As the infection grows, an abscess or pus-filled pocket can form at the tooth roots causing pain, swelling, and drainage problems that may spread into the cheek, face, neck, and head. Any infection in the tooth must be immediately dealt with, through extraction or a root canal treatment.
Unfortunately, even professionally performed dental extractions can lead to complications such as shifting of the surrounding teeth, TMJ pain and bite imbalance, and bone loss. For these reasons, root canals are generally the method our dental office chooses to treat dental infections. Instead of being pulled, the infected tooth is cleaned and sealed, allowing us to save the natural tooth and roots.
While symptoms aren’t always present, if you experience any of the following, please call Cornerstone Family and Cosmetic Dentistry right away:
- Sensitivity to heat or cold that persists even after the source of heat or cold has been removed
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth or gum
- A recurring inflammation or pimple on the gums
- Toothache, especially a severe toothache upon application of pressure or chewing
- Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
- Bad breath
- Swollen glands, or fever that seem related to a toothache
The doctors at Cornerstone Family and Cosmetic Dentistry have years of experience performing root canals, and our skill is outstanding, ensuring total patient comfort.
Find out more by requesting an appointment or contact us today.
