Root Canal Treatment in Chattanooga
Root canals often have a bad reputation in the media and everyday life, but this treatment is a restorative service that can instantly relieve tooth pain and provide a better quality of life. Here at Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry, root canals are a completely comfortable process that uses advanced technology.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
While the only way to know if you need a root canal is by being evaluated by a dentist, there are clear symptoms that can let you know you should get checked out. Some of these symptoms are:
- Persistent Toothache: This pain can be intense and throbbing in a specific area, or as a continuous dull ache radiating around a certain tooth.
- Sensitivity to Temperature: If you experience sensitivity to cold or hot substances, especially if that sensation lingers, you may have nerve damage caused by an infection.
- Tooth Discoloration: Discoloration or darkening can be a sign of infection or internal damage.
- Gum Swelling and Tenderness: An infected tooth may create a painful abscess in the gums surrounding it.
- Persistent Bad Taste or Odor: If you have bad breath and nothing seems to help, let us know. We can check for signs of a tooth infection.
What Is a Root Canal?
Got a toothache? It could be a sign of a tooth infection. Root canals are used to clean out infected teeth by removing the damaged pulp tissue that is inside each tooth. After the tooth has been cleaned, the site will be sealed, making sure no bacteria can get inside.
When the pulp of a tooth gets infected it can cause inflammation and tooth decay. This treatment is designed to save your tooth so that you do not lose it to decay.
Choosing a Root Canal vs. An Extraction
In cases of severe tooth infection, there might be situations where a root canal isn’t sufficient to save the tooth. In this case, the tooth may need to be extracted. However, this is not the preferred choice as preserving your natural tooth is always a priority when possible. Here are some benefits of restoring your natural tooth rather than extracting it:
- Maintained Natural Tooth Function: By choosing to restore your tooth, you maintain the natural function of your tooth, leading to better chewing capabilities and overall oral health.
- Preserved Aesthetics: A natural tooth adds to the aesthetics of your smile. Preserving it keeps your smile looking natural and beautiful.
- Prevented Jawbone Deterioration: Keeping your natural tooth intact helps in preserving the surrounding jawbone, preventing potential bone loss that often follows tooth extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Do I Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
Depending on how damaged the tooth is, you may need a dental crown after a root canal to provide extra support to your tooth and ensure that it is protected.
Is A Root Canal Painful?
Since root canal treatments are performed under local anesthesia, patients should experience a pain-free treatment.
How Should I Prepare Before Undergoing Root Canal Treatment?
Our dental team will walk you through what to do beforehand, but we recommend eating a light meal, taking any prescribed medications, letting our team know if you have any concerns, and arriving on time.
What Happens If an Infected Tooth Is Left Untreated?
When an infected tooth goes untreated, the infection can spread to other teeth and gums, causing more pain and the formation of abscesses. Infections can lead to overall health issues as well, so it is important to get infected teeth treated as soon as possible.
Restore Your Dental Health with Confidence—Call Today!
Save yourself time and pain through root canal treatment. With our experience and technology, we can restore your tooth and relieve your toothache. Call today to schedule a root canal appointment.
