Root Canals
BENE Dental – General Dentists located in Norwell, MA.
Root Canal FAQ’s
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental treatment that saves and repairs an infected tooth. If your tooth becomes critically infected from the inside, one of the accomplished dentists at BENE Dental takes out the bacteria and any dead or dying tissue. This allows them to protect your tooth and take away your pain.
What leads to an infection in the tooth root?
Tissue and roots inside of your teeth can get infected with bacteria due to injury to the tooth or from a cavity that remains untreated for too long. The infected tissue may enter the root or pulp of the tooth if you put off going to the dentist. Be sure to inquire about treatment, because if the infection gets any further, this can induce a host of other problems.
How do I know if I have an infected tooth?
An infected tooth can cause pain very quickly, particularly if you don’t address it soon enough. The usual symptoms of an infected tooth are:
- Inflamed gums
- Tooth soreness, especially when chewing
- Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Unpleasant breath
- Pus coming from around the tooth
- Painful aching in your jaw and mouth
- Tooth darkening in color
- A bump on your gum like a small pimple
What’s involved in a root canal?
Most often, your dentist at BENE Dental completes the treatment in one or two appointments. You may first need X-rays so the dentist can judge the magnitude of damage to the tooth needing a root canal.
At your appointment, your dentist uses a needle to numb the area with a local anesthetic. Occasionally, they put a dental dam, or a small film of rubber, on your tooth to keep it hygienic and shielded while the procedure is happening. After your tooth gets numbed, the dentist makes a tiny cut in your tooth to access the area of infection inside the root.
Next, your dentist uses small files to remove the damaged and diseased pulp and irrigates the area with water to wash away any debris. Once all the infected material is removed, your dentist either seals the tooth or puts in a temporary filling to protect your tooth until you come back for a permanent crown.
If you have any signs or symptoms of a tooth infection, call BENE Dental or schedule a consultation online.