Root canals are considered a form of endodontic therapy. Endodontics refers to specifically trained dentists who specialize in treating tooth pain & infections, saving the tooth’s interior, and performing root canals through oral surgery.
A root canal works to treat the soft tissue inside your tooth to save it and avoid having it pulled.
Endodontists are experts at determining the underlying cause of your mouth pain so they can treat it effectively. Dr. Charles Dennis, DMD, offers some of the best dental root canal services near Scranton, PA.
Endodontics Q & A
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that treats a damaged, infected, or diseased tooth. They relieve pain and save your tooth. For example, if you have a tooth that becomes severely infected from the inside, bacteria and dead tissue must be removed to prevent the infection from spreading. This way, he can save your tooth and help minimize your pain.
The treatment is similar to a routine filling for a cavity, so there’s nothing to worry about. Dr. Dennis uses the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment to perform a root canal in just one or two visits. The procedure is relatively painless and highly effective, so you can quickly get back to chewing without pain.
What are the symptoms of an infected tooth?
An infected tooth can become very painful very quickly, especially if you don’t take care of it promptly. Some typical symptoms of an infected tooth include:
- Tooth soreness, especially while chewing
- Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Pus oozing around the tooth
- Unpleasant, salty taste in your mouth
- Painful throbbing in your mouth or jaw
- Swelling in face and cheeks
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Darkening tooth color
- Inflamed gums
- Bad breath
If you experience any of the symptoms of an infected tooth, it’s crucial to call Abington Center for Family & Cosmetic Dentistry as soon as possible. If you wait to treat it, the infection can get worse, and you risk losing your tooth, needing a root canal, a dental implant, or another type of restorative dental procedure.
Note: If you’re experiencing problems with your breathing or swallowing, the emergency room may be the quickest way to get the help you need.
Will my tooth abscess go away on its own?
Unfortunately, tooth infections and abscesses do not go away on their own. Without proper treatment, you risk the infection spreading to other teeth and into your body. This can cause many health complications. We recommend you call the office as soon as you notice that something is wrong to prevent further problems.
Are there any other treatment options?
If you decide against getting a root canal, you risk naturally losing your tooth, spreading infection, or having your tooth pulled. On the other hand, if you opt to get your tooth pulled, your teeth will naturally shift, and the missing area of the tooth can cause your jaw to weaken. This can cause problems with chewing and proper dental hygiene. That’s why we recommend attempting to save the tooth if possible.
Do root canals hurt?
Root canals, or endodontic therapy, tend to get a bad rep amongst patients who have heard that they are extremely painful. With today’s technology and advancements, root canals are no more painful than getting a filling. We use local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area during the procedure. Since we clear the infected pulp and root(s), you should experience less pain following surgery.
If you experience any symptoms of an infected tooth or trauma to your mouth, call us at Abington Dental. Dr. Charles Dennis, DMD, is an expert at dental root canal services in the Scranton, PA area, so you’ll be getting the best possible care. Call to schedule an appointment or use the online booking system.
