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What is a Root Canal?

At Woodmoor Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer root canal treatments as a way to bring healing to the well-deserved community of Monument. We perform root canal treatments for patients whose root canal has been infected with the goal to save the natural tooth. During a root canal procedure, we remove the infected pulp and clean, fill, and seal the inside of the tooth.

Patients often hear the pulp talked about, but many are unclear about what exactly it is. Put simply, the pulp is the soft tissue that lies below the enamel. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues that contribute to the growth of the tooth. The pulp is an essential part of your tooth’s development, but a fully developed tooth does not require the pulp because it can receive nourishment from the surrounding tissues.

Because of the powers of modern dentistry, root canals are not associated with the level of pain they once were. Although this procedure is not necessarily painless, and patients often experience soreness in the days after, our skilled and compassionate team will make the process as comfortable and effective as possible. According to the American Association of Endodontics, over 15 million root canals are performed every year in the U.S. Therefore, although this treatment is one you want to be educated about, it is quite a common procedure, and you can trust our team to perform it with care.

How Do You Know if You Need a Root Canal?

Attending your regular dental checkups and maintaining your dental hygiene will not only keep you informed on the health of your teeth, but it can also prevent treatments like root canals from being necessary in the first place. During your regular check-ups, we will monitor your oral health and look out for any spots of sensitivity or concern. Oftentimes, this allows us to prevent an oral health issue in its tracks before a root canal is even necessary. As it goes with our health, issues can pop up unexpectedly, and for some patients, a root canal treatment is simply the reality. If you are concerned that you might require a root canal, look out for these warning signs and come in to see us if symptoms worsen:

Unrelenting tooth pain

Although most people experience tooth pain at some point during their lives, if this pain is persistent, it can be a cause for concern. Patients who need a root canal typically experience pain that increases when eating or touching the tooth. Dental pain can be a sign of a variety of conditions, so we recommend making an appointment so we can find the true underlying cause.

Swollen gums

If you are experiencing swollen gums along with tooth pain, a root canal might be in your future. When dead pulp tissue releases waste, the result is often gum swelling. It is typical for patients to notice a pimple-like blemish in the affected area before they will be needing a root canal.

Sensitivity to extreme temperatures

If your teeth are bothered by hot or cold temperatures, you might need a root canal soon. When we think of root canal-related temperature sensitivity, we think of sharp pains that you feel when eating a popsicle, soup, or other food and drink items that have high or low temperatures.

Tooth discoloration

An infected pulp inside the tooth can cause discoloration. This happens when there is internal damage in the roots that create a darker appearance. We do not recommend waiting if you notice this in your own teeth, as we would love to resolve the issue as soon as possible and help you feel great about your smile.

At Woodmoor Family Dentistry, we are happy to offer root canal therapy to patients who absolutely need them. It gives patients the chance to resolve their pain while retaining their natural tooth, and many patients prefer this over receiving an artificial tooth. Root canals help free patients of their pain and allow them to return to their normal routines within a few days. Most importantly, it keeps the infection from spreading throughout the jawbone or brain and causing other health issues. The health of the community of Monument is always at the forefront of our minds and hearts, and we demonstrate that dedication with every procedure we offer.