Root Canal Therapy – Parma Heights, OH

Signs You Need a Root Canal

Enamel, the outermost layer of your teeth, is the hardest substance in the human body. Unfortunately, it’s not indestructible. Once decay has penetrated to the inner layers, it attacks the pulp, which is when your toothache will begin. From there, it will kill the nerves, causing your toothache to stop. Therefore, while the symptoms of a root canal can be diverse, it’s important to look for the common signs, such as:

• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Pain when you bite down
• Discoloration
• Discomfort and swelling around the gumline
• Tooth mobility

How Root Canal Therapy Actually Works

Inside all of your teeth is a bit of soft tissue called the dental pulp, which is a collection of nerves and blood vessels. If bacteria are able to reach it, it can become infected, leading to the mother of all toothaches. Root canal therapy enables our team to remove this pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and fill it to restore its internal structure. This can usually be done over the course of a single appointment, and most patients report feeling much better right afterward. Typically, their only regret is not coming to see us sooner!

Root Canal vs. Extractions

At Advanced Dental Center, priority number one is always to save your natural tooth, which is why we prefer root canals in Parma Heights. However, if the damage is too severe and restoring the affected tooth is no longer feasible, we will need to perform an extraction. Once the tooth is removed and the area has healed, we can discuss tooth replacement options, like dental implants. Otherwise, your jawbone can begin to deteriorate, and the adjacent teeth may begin to move out of position.

Is a Root Canal Painful?

Although root canals have a reputation for being painful,= many patients find it no more cumbersome than getting a filling. After all, our team goes above and beyond to ensure you are comfortable throughout your entire treatment. Before beginning, we will use a local anesthetic to completely numb the area. If the pinch of the needle bothers you, we can even use a painless topical anesthetic beforehand. It’s that pain-free! So, the most you will feel is some pressure. If at any moment you need a break or feel any discomfort, let us know and our emergency dentist in Parma Heights will stop immediately.

Aftercare Following a Root Canal

Once your root canal therapy is complete, your aftercare will begin. As the local anesthetic wears off, it’s natural to experience some sensitivity and inflammation in the affected area. Typically, you’ll be given the green light to resume your daily activities, but with a few additions. First, it’s a good idea to rinse with a mixture of salt and warm water to prevent infection and keep your oral cavity clean. Next, wait to eat until after the numbing agent has worn off to avoid accidentally biting your mouth or tongue. When it comes time to eat, stick to soft foods at first and avoid chewing on that side if you have a temporary crown. If you have any questions or begin to experience any symptoms of an infection (like a fever), then contact our office right away.