What Are the Symptoms of Root Canal Problems?

At Highlight Family Dentistry, we understand that many of our patients worry when they hear they need root canal treatments. The good news is that advances in endodontic technology and dental anesthetics have come a long way, translating to virtually painless root canals. In fact, the procedure alleviates pain rather than causing it. Our team strives to take the fear out of root canals and ensure you always enjoy comfortable dental care. 

Root Canal Therapy: An Overview

Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure used to repair and save teeth with infected or inflamed pulp resulting from deep decay, large fillings, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. Our team will remove the diseased tooth pulp to prevent any further damage. 

What Are the Symptoms of Root Canal Problems?

Signs and symptoms of root canal problems may include the following: 

• A severe, persistent toothache
• Lingering sensitivity to heat and cold
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Tender or swollen gums
• A discolored tooth
• A bump on the gums similar to a pimple or bubble

Do not ignore any of the above symptoms. Make sure to seek help right away to prevent potentially serious oral and overall health complications.

Keep in mind that not all root canal problems produce signs or symptoms. That’s why we encourage our valued patients to keep up with their routine twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings. That way, we can identify and treat any problems as they arise. 

Is There an Alternative to Root Canal Therapy?

Unlike the rest of your body, teeth with infected pulp can’t heal without treatment. The only way to save the affected tooth is root canal therapy. Otherwise, you risk oral health complications, including pain, swelling, or an abscess, which in turn, could lead to bone loss around the tooth’s roots. Moreover, the infection can potentially enter the bloodstream, wreaking havoc on your overall health. 

Root canal therapy eliminates the infection, safeguarding your oral and overall health. It is the only way to save the tooth and restore its form and function. Your only other option is having the tooth extracted then replaced with a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant. However, the goal is always to maintain your natural teeth.

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

Most root canal treatments require a single appointment to complete. We’ll numb the area with a local anesthetic and administer dental sedation, if needed, for your comfort. We’ll make a small opening in the affected tooth’s crown to access and remove the diseased pulp and clean and shape the pulp chamber. Next, we’ll fill your root canals with a rubbery material called gutta-percha, then seal the area to prevent further infection. 

After your root canal treatment, the tooth will need protection using a dental crown. We will first shape the tooth then take an impression of the area to send to a dental laboratory for fabrication. We’ll place a temporary crown as you wait. During an upcoming appointment, we’ll evaluate the fit and color-match of your permanent crown, then cement it in place. With proper care, your root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime!

Gentle Root Canal Treatment Near Me

Contact Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto, TX, to learn more about our root canal treatments. We are committed to maintaining healthy, functional smiles utilizing cutting-edge technology and proven techniques. You can count on us for outstanding, gentle care. Call us at (512) 886-2644 and schedule your appointment today!