English 
Spanish The infamous root canal is one of the most feared dental procedures. However, while the words “root canal” may make you uneasy, the reality is far less intimidating. Root canals are not as painful as they seem—in fact, dentists perform them to save teeth and relieve pain caused by infections. Root canals are incredibly common, with over 41,000 performed daily in the United States! If you’re experiencing tooth pain, you might be one of the many who need this treatment.
At Aspire Dental Group, our skilled professionals frequently perform this tooth-saving procedure. If you’re worried about your oral health, prompt attention can help us save your tooth from extraction!
The Need for Root Canals
What is a root canal? Interestingly, the term root canal has two meanings. It can refer to a part of the tooth’s structure or the procedure we use to remove infected tissue and save teeth.
Structurally, your tooth has two main components: its crown, which rests above your gum line, and its root, which lies beneath. The root is embedded in the jawbone, anchoring the tooth in place and stimulating the bone whenever you bite or chew.
Inside the root of your tooth is the root canal, a hollow space that houses part of the tooth’s pulp. The pulp, a collection of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, extends into the pulp chamber located in the tooth’s crown.
When bacteria infect the pulp, you can experience persistent and disruptive pain. So, how can we alleviate your tooth pain while preventing the infection from spreading? Root canal therapy!
At Aspire Dental Group, we perform root canal therapy to relieve pain and save natural teeth. After drilling a hole into the crown to reach the pulp chamber, we will carefully remove the infected pulp. Then, we will flush out the infected area, ensuring the root canal is clean and dry. Afterward, we seal the canal with a thermoplastic material, rebuild the lost tooth structure, and place a crown on top. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap we use as a shield for your damaged tooth to prevent further infection. With your pulp removed and your crown in place, your smile will again be painless and beautiful!
If we don’t perform a root canal, the infection can spread, causing even more pain and eventual tooth loss. The sooner you contact Aspire Dental Group for treatment, the better chance we have of saving your tooth!
Signs and Symptoms
Numerous symptoms may indicate the need for a root canal. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be in danger of losing your tooth!
- Persistent tooth pain: A constant toothache is one of the most obvious signs you may need a root canal. When experiencing tooth pain, pay attention to the sensation. If the pain is severe, worsens with chewing, or spreads down to your jawbone, a root canal is likely necessary.
- Swollen gums: Inflamed gum tissue is a common sign that your oral hygiene is at risk. If you find your gums are red and irritated or have abscesses (sores that look like pimples), you should seek dental care as soon as possible.
- Increased sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks could indicate an infected pulp. This sensitivity may linger after the temperature has changed, signaling damage that might require a root canal.
- Tooth discoloration: If you need a root canal, you may find that your infected tooth is starting to change color. When your dental pulp is infected, the blood and tissue inside the tooth break down. As a result, the tooth can appear grey, yellow, dark brown, or black.
Book an Appointment at Aspire Dental Group Today!
Contrary to common fears, root canals are not a source of pain—they’re a solution for it! At Aspire Dental Group, we perform root canals to treat infected dental pulp, relieve discomfort, and save natural teeth from extraction.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a root canal infection, don’t wait—visit our practice as soon as possible. Schedule an appointment today to find out how we can save your tooth and free you from tooth pain!
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