Root Canal Treatment in Chattanooga, TN
Root canals often carry a negative reputation, but they are a vital restorative treatment that can quickly relieve tooth pain and restore your quality of life. At Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry, we ensure that root canals are a comfortable and efficient process, utilizing advanced dental technology for precision and comfort. While we are conveniently located in Chattanooga, we proudly serve patients from Dayton, South Pittsburg, and the surrounding communities, offering high-quality dental care to all who need it. Drs. Trey and Paul Carico are committed to providing exceptional care for each patient, no matter where they are coming from.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
While the only way to know for sure 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?
Experiencing a toothache? It may be a sign of a tooth infection. When the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected, it can lead to inflammation, pain, and tooth decay. A root canal is a simple procedure that helps save your tooth by eliminating the infection, allowing you to keep your natural tooth and avoid extraction.
A root canal is a procedure designed to treat tooth infections by removing the damaged pulp inside the tooth. Once the infection is cleaned out, the tooth is sealed to prevent further bacteria from entering.
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 time and relieve pain with a root canal at Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry. With the expertise of Drs. Trey and Paul Carico and the latest dental technology, we can restore your tooth and ease your toothache. Whether you’re in Chattanooga, Dayton, South Pittsburg, or the surrounding areas, we’re here to help. Call (423) 756-1540 today to schedule your root canal appointment.
