Portage, MI
Root Canals in Portage, MI
What Is a Root Canal?
When bacteria gets trapped in the dental pulp of your tooth, you can develop an infection or an abscess. Without treatment, a tooth infection can spread through your bloodstream to other parts of your body, affecting your overall health. A root canal procedure will eliminate the infection and preserve your tooth, so you won't need a tooth extraction. At Portage Northern Dental, our primary goals are to protect your teeth and prevent pain. We do our best to make sure that root canal treatment is pain-free and as comfortable as possible. If you suspect you have any signs or symptoms of a tooth infection, call us today to schedule a consultation for a root canal in Portage, MI.
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Recognizing Root Canal Symptoms & Warning Signs
If you know the early warning signs of a tooth infection or severe tooth decay, there is a better chance that we can save your tooth and prevent more serious damage. Undergoing a root canal will relieve pain, eliminate infection, protect your tooth, and prevent tooth extraction. Call us today to schedule an emergency dentistry appointment if you have any of these root canal symptoms:
- A toothache that comes and goes over weeks or months, or doesn’t go away.
- Severe sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks.
- Puffy, inflamed, red, bleeding, or swollen gums.
- Tooth pain combined with a fever or swelling.
- A sore or pimple on your gums that won’t go away.
- A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath.
- A swollen jaw or cheek.
- A discolored or gray tooth.
- A significantly cracked or damaged tooth.
- Pain that worsens when you talk, chew, eat, or if pressure is applied to your tooth or gums.
- A loose tooth.
When & Why You May Need Root Canal Treatment
During a root canal procedure, the infected dental pulp is completely removed, and your tooth is cleaned and disinfected. We then seal your tooth up so that no further bacteria can enter and then place a dental crown over it to protect it and ensure it is structurally sound. You may need a root canal procedure if you have a significant tooth infection, a dental abscess, or a severely damaged tooth. Infections can occur when a dental cavity goes untreated and progresses to severe tooth decay. A root canal procedure will eliminate the infection and save your tooth so that you won't need a tooth extraction or prosthetic tooth. Without a root canal treatment, your infection can spread and become dangerous or life-threatening. When an infection is too severe, the only solution is a tooth extraction, so it’s best to visit our office as soon as you notice warning signs of a damaged, decayed, or infected tooth.
Preparing for a Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure is one of the simplest and most common dental procedures. Most dentists have done thousands of root canal procedures in their careers. Before we schedule your root canal, we will go over the process step by step so that you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare. We will tell you what medications you can and can't take in the days leading up to your procedure. We will also recommend that you stop smoking and avoid alcohol before and after your procedure. On the day of your procedure, we will apply a local anesthetic to numb your tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Next, we will use a dental dam to hold your mouth open and control saliva so your tooth stays dry. We will then drill a very small hole into your tooth so that we can clean out your infected dental pulp. Then, we will remove the pulp and clean, disinfect, and shape the root canal. We will inject a special dental putty into the root canal and seal the hole. We will also place a dental root canal crown over the tooth to protect it from bacteria and damage. The entire procedure may take between 30 and 60 minutes. You should have someone drive you home afterward.
The Root Canal Recovery Process
You shouldn't have a lot of pain after a root canal, but you can take over-the-counter pain medication and use a hot compress or ice pack if you are uncomfortable. Most people feel fully recovered in one or two weeks. You should only eat soft foods for the first three or four days after the procedure, and you shouldn't smoke or drink alcohol. You should try not to bite or chew with your treated tooth. It's very important to follow proper dental hygiene after a root canal to avoid infection or complications. You should brush twice per day, floss at least once per day, and use an antiseptic mouthwash. We might also prescribe antibiotics to make sure your infection is completely gone.
Schedule a Dental Exam With Our Root Canal Dentist
If you have noticed any warning signs that you need a root canal in Portage, MI, schedule a dental exam with our root canal dentist at Portage Northern Dental. We will perform a thorough exam and take dental X-rays to assess the health of your teeth and gums. If you do need a root canal, we will fully explain the procedure and make sure you understand what to expect. Call us today or contact us online to learn more about root canal treatment.