What Is a Root Canal?
If you’re dealing with tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or a cracked tooth, a root canal may be the solution. At Smith Family Dentistry in Saginaw, MI, we provide root canal treatment to eliminate pain and save your tooth, so you can avoid extraction and keep your natural smile intact.
Also known as endodontic or pulpal therapy, a root canal involves removing the nerve from the inside of an infected or damaged tooth, eliminating pain while allowing the tooth to be preserved. The inside of the tooth houses both the blood supply that keeps the tooth alive and the nerves that let you know when something is wrong. When tooth decay reaches the pulp (the tissue inside the tooth), or when the pulp is exposed through a crack, you’ll experience pain and sensitivity. At this point, the nerve needs to be removed through a root canal.
Schedule a ConsultationWhy Would You Need a Root Canal?
Most commonly, a root canal is needed because of a cavity that was left untreated. The decay from the cavity reaches the inside of the tooth, infecting and damaging the pulp. Another common cause is a tooth that broke or cracked to the point of exposing the nerve. In either case, a root canal is necessary to relieve the pain and sensitivity you’re experiencing.
Are You a Candidate for a Root Canal?
We can examine your teeth to determine if a root canal is necessary. Patients who need a root canal often experience severe pain and sensitivity to temperature extremes. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to come in for an examination. Sometimes, a large cavity near the nerve will require a root canal even without noticeable symptoms. If you need a root canal, it’s important to have the procedure done as soon as possible to prevent infection from spreading further into the bloodstream.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
We begin by administering a local anesthetic before isolating the infected tooth with a dental dam. The decay is then removed fully from the tooth, and the inner pulp is taken out. We clean the root canals to remove any remaining pulp tissue. Once this is done, the canals are filled with a special material and the tooth is filled with a tooth-colored build-up material.
Once the pulp is removed from the tooth, it becomes dry and significantly more likely to crack or fracture. This is why you always need a crown following a root canal to protect the tooth. Once the buildup is placed, the tooth is then prepared for a crown. You’ll leave the office with a temporary crown but without the pain and sensitivity.
Root Canal Aftercare and Recovery
After your root canal, some mild soreness around the treated tooth is normal for a few days. Here’s what to expect during recovery:
- Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is placed.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any residual discomfort.
- Continue brushing and flossing as normal, being gentle around the treated area.
- Keep your follow-up appointment for your permanent crown. This step is essential to protecting the tooth from future fracture.
- Contact our office if you experience swelling, severe pain, or pressure that doesn’t improve, as this could indicate the need for further evaluation.
Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation in Saginaw
Tooth pain doesn’t have to wait. If you suspect you need a root canal, our team at Smith Family Dentistry is ready to help you get relief and protect your natural tooth. Call or text us today to schedule an appointment, and we’ll get you in as soon as possible.
Request an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
About Root Canal Treatment
No. Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Most patients report feeling significant relief afterward, since the procedure removes the source of the pain.
Common signs include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing, a cracked or broken tooth, or swelling near a tooth. The only way to know for sure is with an exam at our Saginaw office.
Most root canal procedures can be completed in a single visit, though the exact time depends on the tooth’s location and the extent of the infection.
Yes. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth becomes more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown protects the tooth and restores its full function after treatment.
Most patients are able to return to normal activities the same day, though you may want to avoid chewing on the treated side until any numbness wears off.
Leaving an infected tooth untreated allows the infection to spread, which can lead to more severe pain, abscess, bone loss, or the need for extraction. Prompt treatment helps you avoid these complications.
Smith Family Dentistry, located at 4196 State St, Saginaw, MI 48603, provides root canal treatment for patients throughout the Saginaw area. Call or text (989) 799-5850 to schedule an exam.