Dental pain is never fun, especially when it’s caused by damage deep within the tooth. This inner structure is called the pulp, and this area can be impacted by a number of factors, from decay over time, to injury and disease. When you experience structural damage to your tooth, a root canal can be the best option to avoid extraction, alleviate pain, and keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Unfortunately, traditional root canal treatments have a reputation for being painful and inconvenient. But this isn’t the case with a modern root canal! With the right Atlanta endodontist, you can receive a pain-free root canal treatment that will save your tooth and make the recovery process as easy and quick as possible.
What is a root canal?
Root canal treatments are performed to remove inflamed or infected pulp tissue and restore your tooth to a healthy state and free you from pain and other unwanted symptoms. This procedure not only can save your tooth from extraction and further damage, but it also eliminates the pain and sensitivity associated with infection and inflammation.
When do you need a root canal?
A root canal is an effective treatment for patients suffering from an inflamed or infected pulp (the soft tissue beneath the hard layers of the enamel and dentin). Infection of the tooth structure can have a number of causes, such as deep cavities, cracks, structural anomalies, traumatic injuries, and more.
Damaged or inflamed pulp can lead to a number of serious health problems and symptoms, including:
- Toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Persistent bad breath
- Swollen gums
- Pain while chewing or talking
- Isolated tooth discoloration
While these symptoms aren’t always due to damaged pulp, an untreated infection can lead to severe pain and even tooth loss. That’s why it’s important to visit an experienced endodontist to determine if a root canal is the right treatment for you.
How a root canal works
A modern root canal treatment is actually quite straightforward. It’s one of the most common dental procedures in the US. The treatment is performed by removing the inflamed or damaged tissue. From there, your endodontist carefully disinfects the entire canal system to heal the area and prevent future infection before finally filling and sealing the canals. The canal system is sealed with either a permanent or temporary filling depending on your tooth’s needs.
At Endodontic Excellence of Atlanta, we use tried-and-true techniques combined with state-of-the-art technology to perform pain-free root canals. A typical root canal treatment can be completed in-office in about 30-90 minutes and usually only requires one visit! While the procedure is relatively quick and simple, any dental treatment is going to depend on your specific needs and preferences. That’s why we work with each patient individually to develop the best treatment plan for them.
Is root canal treatment painful?
In the past, root canals were known for being painful and difficult, but with modern technology and a skilled endodontist, root canals are easy and comfortable. We use advanced equipment including GentleWave technology to remove damaged pulp tissue thoroughly and effectively while making the process minimally invasive and gentle. This technology also promotes the healing process, preserves more of your tooth’s natural structure, and reduces the potential for future infection.
We know that dental anxiety is a serious and common problem, especially during an endodontic procedure. That’s why we offer several state-of-the-art sedation options to reduce anxiety and help you stay calm and comfortable through the entire process.
What does root canal recovery look like?
Most patients can expect to feel improvement immediately after completing their root canal procedure. In the few days following your root canal, it’s perfectly normal to experience tenderness, which is most likely due to keeping your mouth open or anesthetic injections. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. In most cases, you should be able to return to work or school the same day. However, if you opt for sedation, you should prepare to take time to rest.
If you’re experiencing significant pain or swelling after your procedure, contact Dr. King as soon as possible. You should also follow up if you notice signs of an allergic reaction to your medication or if your temporary filling falls out.
Get an advanced root canal treatment with Endodontic Excellence of Atlanta!
At Endodontic Excellence of Atlanta, we take pride in offering high-quality, compassionate care to all of our patients. Dr. Megan King is an experienced and highly knowledgeable endodontist and her and her incredible team are ready to provide you with the modern root canal treatment you need – no referral necessary!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!