How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?

Do you think you may need a root canal? It can be hard to know for sure. Your dentist in Montclair, CA, Montclair Plaza Dental Group, can explain how a root canal works and exactly why it’s needed.

What’s a Root Canal?

Root canals are used to try and avoid doing a full tooth extraction. The diseased and decaying parts of the tooth have to be removed. When they’re infected, it impacts the structure and stability of the tooth. A root canal attempts to save that by removing all infected material, preventing the infection from spreading more in the tooth.

When Do I Need a Root Canal?

If your tooth is cracked or going through tooth decay, that can make the pulp inside vulnerable. The pulp is in the middle of the tooth, made up of tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. When trauma in your tooth occurs, bacteria can get to this layer of pulp. This means infection, and it’s a very painful experience. This is when you need a root canal. If you think you’re experiencing this, call Montclair Plaza Dental Group immediately.

Pulpectomy Vs. Pulpotomy

There are two different kinds of root canals. Pulpectomies remove the infected part of the whole tooth. The dentist dives deep into both the canals and crown. Afterward, the tooth is often topped with a dental crown. This makes sure that the tooth is still usable and strong

Pulpotomies remove the infection from just the crown of the tooth. A tooth is usually a little more stable if only a pulpotomy is used. If the dentist believes your tooth is still unstable, a dental crown will be added after this procedure as well

Both of these procedures can also be performed on children. You want to make sure your child’s oral health stays in tip-top shape. Even if these procedures are done on primary teeth, it paves the way for better oral health and for fewer problems with their permanent teeth later on.

Will a Root Canal Hurt?

At Montclair Plaza Dental Group, we take care to make you as comfortable as possible throughout this procedure. The area around the tooth will be completely numbed. If you’re too nervous or have severe dental anxiety, sedation can be arranged. This procedure does involve the use of a drill, the sound of which can heighten anxiety

The drill puts a small hole in the tooth. He’ll then use tools to clean out the infected area of the tooth. It’s packed with certain material so the tooth is not left hollow. Lastly, the tooth is capped with a dental crown.

Root Canals at Your Montclair, CA Dentist

If you’re suffering from tooth pain and think it might be infected, it’s time to visit the dentist. Call us today or schedule an appointment online!