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Many patients fear that if they have severe tooth pain, all they will be able to do is have the tooth removed. But our San Bernardino team is committed to saving your smile. The aim is to preserve the natural tooth and to treat the problem whenever possible.
A root canal is a procedure to treat the soft tissue inside a tooth, called pulp, that has become inflamed or infected. If the pulp is damaged and infected, it can be a result of deep decay, a crack or chip, repeated dental procedures, or trauma. Root canal therapy involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and sealing the tooth to help prevent reinfection.
Tooth pain does not always mean a root canal, but there are some symptoms that should be looked at by a dental professional. Things to watch for are: lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting or chewing, swelling or tenderness around the tooth, a cracked or chipped tooth, or signs of infection. Some damaged teeth may not cause obvious symptoms, which is why an examination is important when a tooth has been injured or has significant decay.
A root canal is a treatment where the dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp from the inside of the tooth. Then the space is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed. Following the root canal, your tooth will typically require a crown or other restoration of some type to protect it and restore it to full function.
It is done under anesthesia. Generally, today’s root canal treatment is as uncomfortable as any other common dental work you might have done. Some soreness or sensitivity can occur after treatment, particularly during the first few days.
When a tooth can be successfully treated, it allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than replace it immediately. Saving a natural tooth can allow it to continue to provide normal biting and chewing function and can help to avoid the extra treatment involved in replacing a missing tooth. The American Association of Endodontists recommends considering treatment to save a natural tooth whenever possible.
Don’t ignore tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity, or swelling. Symptoms can be caused by different things, and an examination is needed to find out what is happening inside and around the tooth. Seeking treatment when symptoms appear can help address the problem before it becomes more extensive.
If you are suffering from ongoing tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or a broken tooth, contact our dental team to make an appointment for an evaluation and find out if root canal treatment is right for you.
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