English 
Spanish If you’re the type of person who avoids seeking medical help because you’re worried about hearing bad news, you’re not alone. Studies have shown that as many as one in three Americans steer clear of the doctor, even when they know they may need medical treatment. This is especially true when the procedure you need has a scary reputation, such as a root canal. However, this reputation of a painful, torturous procedure is old-fashioned and just plain wrong. Modern technology, techniques, and medication allow us to perform root canals quickly, easily, and pain-free.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure to relieve the pain of an infected tooth while saving it from further decay or extraction. It’s an endodontic procedure, as it deals with your tooth’s inner pulp. A root canal is needed when your tooth pulp becomes infected. This can happen due to a cracked tooth or a cavity that has long gone unaddressed. As the infection spreads, it causes serious pain and will eventually lead to serious oral health problems, such as abscesses and the loss of a tooth or even part of your jaw.
When talking about root canals, we must address one other elephant in the room—the stereotype of root canals as miserable, painful procedures. Root canals have been used as a pop culture shortcut to mean “something awful” for a long time; however, with modern techniques and technology, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The combination of a local anesthetic, modern dental tools, and Dr. Aristodemo’s 25+ years of experience will ensure a pain-free experience from beginning to end.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact Happy Smiles Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment for a root canal immediately:
- Severe, unrelenting tooth pain
- Swollen jaw or gums
- Teeth that are sensitive to pressure
- Discolored or loose teeth
- Pimples on the gums
An infected tooth will not improve on its own. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other teeth or your jawbone. You can even lose your tooth, so it’s important to seek treatment quickly if you experience these symptoms.
The Root Canal Process
At your initial consultation, we’ll walk you through the root canal process so you fully understand each step. Dr. Aristodemo and her compassionate team will put your comfort first before, during, and after the procedure.
- Initial examination: Before proceeding with a root canal, we must determine the cause of your toothache. Dr. Aristodemo will examine your mouth and take X-rays, looking for a cracked or infected tooth.
- Preparation for treatment: We’ll begin by injecting anesthesia to numb your tooth and the surrounding gum. We’ll also place a thin piece of rubber over the infected tooth to keep it dry throughout the process.
- Removal of infected material: Dr. Aristodemo will drill a tiny hole in the top of your tooth to expose the infected pulp. Next, she will carefully remove the pulp with specialized dental tools.
- Cleaning and sealing: Once the infected material is gone, we will disinfect and clean the inner chamber of your tooth and fill it with a special dental material called gutta-percha. We then seal the tooth with a dental filling.
- Protective crown: Finally, we’ll place a dental crown over the tooth to protect it and restore its functionality.
Afterward, you’ll receive specific instructions on how to deal with any discomfort and ensure proper healing. You can care for your restored tooth with proper dental hygiene, regular checkups, and a nutritious diet.
Schedule Your Procedure Today
If you have a toothache that feels worse than a slight pain or soreness, it may be time to seek treatment. Dr. Aristodemo and the skilled team at Happy Smiles Family Dentistry can provide immediate relief from tooth pain while working carefully to preserve your original tooth. Call us to schedule your appointment today and move one step closer to relief from tooth pain.
