Tooth pain should never be ignored. There is a chance you may have an abscessed tooth which will need to be looked at and treated right away to prevent further complications. Our West Michigan dentists want to do all that we can so we will first recommend root canal therapy to save your tooth from extraction.

Here’s what you need to know about receiving a root canal.

Signs You Need a Root Canal 

It’s important that you see our dentists every six months for a routine teeth cleaning and oral examination. Often, there are no signs that indicate the need for an emergency root canal until it’s too late. This is precisely why a check-up is so valuable as it provides an opportunity for our team to catch and note areas of concern that may otherwise go unnoticed.

A root canal may be in your future if you’ve noticed: 

  • A severe toothache
  • Darkening of the tooth
  • Prolonged tooth sensitivity
  • Sore or swollen gums
  • Pimple on the gums
  • Pain with applied pressure (i.e., while eating)
  • Jaw pain or swelling
  • Tooth looseness

    Our dentists urge you to give one of our offices a call today if you identify with any of the above symptoms. Tooth extraction doesn’t have to be the answer if you act quickly. We will do everything possible to keep your natural teeth intact.

    Root Canal Therapy Process

    During the root canal procedure, we will first numb the affected tooth using local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment. Once the area is numb, we’ll create a small access hole through the top of the tooth to reach the innermost portion. This step is crucial to removing the infected or damaged tooth pulp.

    Using specialized tools, we will clean and shape the inside of the tooth, meticulously removing the diseased tissue from the root canals. This process helps eliminate bacteria and infection that may have caused pain or swelling. Throughout the procedure, the canals will be flushed with an antimicrobial solution to thoroughly disinfect and prevent reinfection.

    After the canals have been completely cleaned and dried, we’ll seal the space with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which ensures that the area is securely filled and sealed to prevent future infections. A temporary filling is often placed over the access hole to protect the tooth while you heal but in most cases, a more permanent solution like a dental crown is necessary to provide strength.

    Find Relief from Tooth Pain Today 

    Our root canal dentists serving West Michigan would be more than happy to help you get back to feeling like your original self. Call one of our MI Smiles Dental locations down below to schedule an appointment and receive the care you need today!

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