Have Questions About Root Canals? This FAQ Can Help

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Is your tooth hurting? Are you noticing unusual swelling around your teeth? Sounds like you need to see a dentist in Rancho Mirage, CA. You may need a root canal. The first step is to see your dentist and get a diagnosis. Here’s what you need to know. 

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that dentists turn to when the sensitive pulp inside the tooth becomes infected. During the root canal, the dentist scoops out the infected part of the tooth and eliminates all remaining infection.

When the infection is gone, the dentist fills the tooth. When the work is done, the dentist places a crown over the tooth.   

Do Root Canals Hurt?

Most of the time, root canals do not hurt. In fact, most patients report that the most pain they felt came before the procedure. For the root canal procedure, the dentist numbs the area.

The patient may feel some discomfort when the procedure is over and the numbing agent wears off. If you’re worried about pain or if you have dental anxiety, talk to your dentist before the procedure begins. 

Signs You Need a Root Canal

There are many signs that a root canal is needed. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Swelling around the tooth 
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Pain
  • Tooth is loose
  • Sensitivity to extreme temperatures

Infection often enters the tooth when a crack or chip allows bacteria into the tooth. If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, then you may be at risk. Talk to your dentist to find out whether you need a root canal or preventative measures to stop an infection from starting.

If you suspect you need a root canal in Rancho Mirage, CA, the professionals at Cros Dental can help. Don’t delay!

 

Everything You Need to Know about Root Canals

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When you hear about root canal therapy at Cros Dental in Rancho Mirage, it might make you feel a bit uneasy. Truth be told, sometimes the most fearless patients cringe when we mention the common endodontic procedure. There are many questions that we frequently get asked, including the most common one — does it hurt to get root canal therapy?

Does Root Canal Therapy Hurt?

The answer is no. Root canal therapy in Rancho Mirage relieves pain and sensitivity and saves teeth from extraction. By removing the diseased inner tissues of your tooth, root canals deliver pain-free, healthy smiles.

When are Root Canals Necessary?

When tooth decay or injury reaches in the inner pulp of a tooth, root canal therapy is necessary to stop the infection, end pain and save the tooth. The nerve system of a tooth is housed within the pulp. When damage or decay gets to the inner nerve, the result can be a great deal of pain.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

Only a skilled and experienced dentist will know for sure if root canal therapy is the appropriate solution to restore your oral health, but there are a few warning signs you can look out for, including:

  • Severe tooth pain
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Darkening of the enamel near the gum line
  • Gum infection around the affected tooth

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

The entire contents of the inner chamber are removed during root canal treatment. This includes the pulp and the nerves. The empty space is cleaned, disinfected and filled. The last step in the process is to place a porcelain crown on the weakened tooth.

How do I Care for My Smile after Root Canal?

After the root canal treatment, you can resume your every day oral hygiene routine. Brush two times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mildly abrasive ADA-approved toothpaste. Use a waxed dental floss at least once daily.

How do I Prevent the Need for Root Canal Treatment?

You can avoid excessive tooth decay by maintaining good dental care habits at home and then getting two routine dentist visits twice a year. By being diligent about your oral health, you will keep your smile healthy and functioning well.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

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Do you know the warning signs that can occur if you need a root canal? Recognizing the signs can help you ensure that you receive

prompt treatment for your problem tooth. Rancho Mirage, CA, dentists Dr. Ray Cros and Dr. Sheri Cros of Cros Dental provide Root canal therapy and other treatments that relieve pain and protect your smile.

Does your tooth hurt?

Pain is always a warning sign, yet we often ignore it, hoping it will subside. While minor aches and pains in your muscles do go away without any treatment, the same isn’t true for dental pain. If you have pain in a tooth, there is something wrong. Ignoring it can lead to a serious dental problem and extensive dental work.

Make an appointment with your Rancho Mirage dentist even if your pain is fairly mild or isn’t constant. You may only need a filling or might require root canal therapy due to an inflammation or infection in your tooth pulp.

Does your pain increase under certain circumstances?

If you have an inflammation or infection, hot or cold foods and beverages may increase pain. Sensitivity can remain heightened for as long as 30 minutes after you drink a glass of ice water or eat a forkful of hot mashed potatoes. Pressure may also worsen pain, which can make eating a particularly unpleasant experience.

Does your tooth or gum look different?

It’s not unusual for your tooth to darken or your gum to swell, redden or hurt if you need root canal therapy. Gum changes should always be examined, as they can be a sign of gum disease, a condition that can lead to tooth loss if it’s not treated.

Is your face swollen, or do you feel sick?

Symptoms can develop quickly if you have a dental abscess. You may wake up in the middle of the night with severe, throbbing pain and notice that your face is swollen in the morning. The bacterial infection can also make you feel awful and cause lymph node swelling. Pus may form around the tooth, or you might notice that a pimple has suddenly appeared on the gum next to the tooth. Abscesses are emergencies and require treatment with antibiotics to prevent the infection from worsening and spreading.

Do you have any of these symptoms? Call Rancho Mirage, CA, dentists Dr. Ray Cros and Dr. Sheri Cros of Cros Dental at (760) 444-3202 to schedule your appointment.