Do You Need a Root Canal?

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Your dentist finally said those two dreaded words: root canal. However, there’s no reason to worry. Today’s root canals are surprisingly simple procedures that save your damaged tooth without needing further, more costly intervention. Root canals are common procedures, and your dentist in Deerwood, MN, is an expert at making you feel comfortable and relaxed. Learn more by scheduling a consultation.

Why Do You Need a Root Canal?

Usually, your dentist will recommend a root canal if you have a tooth that has infected pulp but is still in good enough condition to save the tooth. You’ll usually know something is wrong because this type of infection may cause a terrific toothache. Fortunately, by drilling into the pulp chamber of your tooth, removing the infected material, and disinfecting the root canals, your dentist can ease your pain and save your natural tooth, which is always preferable to extracting it.

Symptoms of Tooth Infection

Pain is a big indicator that it’s time to see your dentist. However, you may notice other symptoms that your tooth has become infected, including:

  • Gums that are swollen, tender, or discolored
  • Difficulty putting pressure on your tooth
  • Sudden sensitivity to hot or cold foods
  • Formation of a blister on the gum

At this point, it’s time to drain the infection, deep clean the tooth, and fill the root canals and pulp chamber with gutta-percha to prevent reinfection. Lastly, your dental professional will place a crown for added stability.

Why Not Just Pull the Tooth?

Missing teeth affect the appearance of your smile. But even if the tooth is a back molar that can’t be seen when you smile, saving it is still the best option. Once your dentist extracts a permanent tooth, they must put something else in its place to keep your jawbone healthy. This could lead to more costly dental work, including dental implants or partial dentures. For these reasons, your dentist will always try their best to save a tooth before they consider extracting it. A root canal is the perfect procedure.

For more information on root canals in Deerwood, MN, and to find out whether this is the right treatment for you, call River Oaks Dental today.

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Top Three Benefits of a Root Canal

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Did your dentist in Aitkin and Deerwood, MN, recommend a root canal? There’s no need to panic. Root canals may sound foreboding, but they’re actually pretty commonplace. And having a root canal has many advantages. If you’re worried about your upcoming root canal, ask your dentist why millions of people just like you have elected to have this simple procedure.

1. Root Canals Alleviate Chronic Pain

Often, it’s a toothache that encourages us to visit the dentist between regular visits. And if the tooth in question is too damaged for a simple filling to fix, a root canal is the next best option. When your dentist performs a root canal, they thoroughly clean and sanitize the damaged tooth. This includes the delicate pulp where the nerves are found. Once the pulp has been cleaned, and the area capped and crowned, your toothache will be only a bad memory.

2. A Root Canal Saves Your Permanent Tooth

It’s always preferable to save a tooth instead of extracting and replacing it. A root canal can sometimes make this happen. It’s much simpler to clean, sanitize, fill, and cap the tooth in question than it is to extract it. And by saving your natural tooth, your dentist will eliminate the need for complicated and costly tooth replacement procedures, such as dental implants.

3. A Root Canal Prevents Bone Loss

Anytime you have a tooth extracted and put nothing in its place to fill the gap, you run the risk of bone loss. Bone loss can lead to more serious dental problems in the future, including changes to your facial structure, decreased function of the surrounding teeth, and chronic jaw or facial pain. By taking the time to perform a root canal, your dentist can help you avoid the problems associated with dental bone loss.

Root Canal Procedure in Aitkin and Deerwood, MN

If you have a problematic tooth that might need extraction, ask your dentist whether they can perform a root canal instead. A root canal in Aitkin and Deerwood, MN, may be able to save your natural tooth and help you avoid future issues. At River Oaks Dental, our experienced and friendly team would love to help. Call today to schedule an appointment.