What To Do If You May Need A Root Canal

Root canals are infamous for being an unpleasant procedure. In movies and TV, root canals are the cause of dreaded visits to the dentists, and dramatic tooth pain. This unfortunately causes a lot of misconceptions about the root canal process. If you are suffering from tooth pain or even swelling, a root canal can be a source of relief. This is why our team at Signature Smiles does our best to educate all our patients on the procedures we recommend. This helps all our patients feel more at ease, and better understand their own dental care.

Why Would I Need A Root Canal?

Root canals are performed on patients who have an infected tooth, but the tooth is not beyond saving. If you are experiencing severe tooth decay, or complications with broken or chipped teeth, the first step is to call our office. Our team of expert dentists and hygienists will assess the state of the tooth, and determine whether or not a root canal should be performed. If it is determined that the tooth is able to be saved with a root canal, an appointment for the root canal will be scheduled.

What Happens During My Root Canal?

To start the procedure, a localized anesthetic will be applied, as well as sedation. This makes the process easy and comfortable for all our Signature Smiles patients. We are lucky to have an in-house anesthesiologist who will be able to expertly perform the sedation and anesthetic for maximum comfort. Once our patient is comfortable and sedated, we will begin the root canal process. This involved creating an access hole to remove the buildup of bacteria, and cleaning the area to ensure no bacteria is left behind. Then, this area will be sealed which prevents further bacteria from entering to tooth. In some cases a dental crown will be added to increase protection, depending on the individual patient. This process takes between 45-90 minutes on average. We recommend all our patients receive a ride home after the procedure, as it is dangerous to drive after sedation. At your next appointment, the process of rebuilding the tooth will begin.

Schedule Your Appointment At Signature Smiles Today

If you are suffering from tooth or mouth pain, come in to our office. Our expert team looks forward to helping you achieve a healthy smile in every way.