Root Canal
Root Canal Treatment in Pittsburgh, PA
Your teeth are strong, but they are not invulnerable to damage. Beneath the hard outer layers of enamel and dentin lies the tooth pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that can become infected if there is extensive damage to the enamel due to decay or injury. When the tooth pulp becomes infected, you may experience painful symptoms and risk the infection spreading to the jawbone or surrounding teeth. A root canal will remove infected tissue while preserving as much of the natural structure of the tooth as possible, so that you can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, The Dentistry can help with root canal treatment in Pittsburgh, PA.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal involves creating an opening in the crown of the tooth to expose dead or dying tooth pulp. The pulp is then removed from the tooth, and the inner structure is disinfected and reshaped. Then, the tooth is filled with a composite material, which may be reinforced with a metal or plastic rod. Finally, the outer structure of the tooth is reinforced with a dental crown. The treated tooth will look and function just like the natural teeth, and any pain or inflammation caused by the tooth abscess will subside.
What to Expect During a Root Canal Treatment
When you undergo a root canal, you will have local anesthesia so that you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. There may be some pressure or vibration, but the root canal treatment should not be painful. If you experience dental anxiety or have sensory issues, you might request additional sedation with nitrous oxide or oral sedation.
The root canal itself will take about 30-90 minutes to complete, and you will need to visit your root canal dentist for a follow-up appointment to have a permanent crown placed.
When a Root Canal Is Needed
Root canals are necessary when the tooth pulp has sustained damage due to an infection, facial injury, or severe tooth decay. Common signs of damaged tooth pulp include:
- Toothache
- Red or swollen gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Bumps or pus near the base of the tooth
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- A bad taste or odor in your mouth
Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Root canals are routine dental procedures that can offer several benefits for your dental health. Advantages include:
- Avoid the need for tooth extraction
- Restore the health and function of your natural tooth
- Reduce pain and inflammation caused by a tooth infection
- Reduce the risk of further decay or damage to the tissues surrounding the affected tooth
Why Choose Us
The Dentistry is a family-friendly dental practice with four convenient locations throughout the Pittsburgh Metro Area. At each of our offices, you will find the latest dental treatment technologies, compassionate specialists and support staff, and a comfortable care environment. We accept most insurance plans and offer financing and membership plans to make your care more affordable and accessible.
Schedule Your Appointment at The Dentistry
If you are suffering from tooth pain, don’t wait any longer to get the care you need. Contact The Dentistry to schedule an appointment today.
Root Canal FAQs
It may seem logical to simply pull a tooth that is infected, but this can lead to much bigger dental problems. Preserving the natural tooth is always preferred when possible. Otherwise, you might end up needing costlier dental restorations in the future, like dental implants.
Root canal therapy is always performed with local anesthesia, and additional sedation options are available, so the procedure itself is not painful. You may have some soreness after your root canal procedure, but you will also have significant relief after you fully heal. Any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
If you have an infected tooth, you should not delay treatment. The infection may spread to other areas of the mouth, and you may have worsening pain and inflammation as the problem gets worse. It is never recommended to delay treatment. The only way to treat infected tooth pulp is to remove it with a root canal.
Crowns are needed after a root canal is performed because the structure of the tooth will have been compromised, and reinforcement is needed to keep the tooth functional and intact. A crown will be made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, so it will be virtually undetectable in your smile.