We understand root canals have historically been associated with fears of immense pain and anxiety. However, advancements in dental technology and techniques have come a long way in making the procedure much more comfortable for the patient. So, if you are in need of a root canal, there is no need to feel overly anxious. At Winston-Salem Dental Specialists, our team is dedicated to helping our patients feel at ease before, during, and after their root canal procedure.
Sign You May Need a Root Canal
- Persistent Pain
- Chipped or Cracked Tooth
- Tooth Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
- Swollen Gum Area
- Dark Discoloration of the Tooth
- Prolonged Sensitivity
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure performed to treat and save a tooth from infection. A severely infected tooth damages what is called the pulp of a tooth which is the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. A root canal can be brought on by deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma to the area. A root canal is a necessary procedure in order to save the tooth and prevent further infection.
Root Canal vs. an Extraction
Your dentist will be able to determine whether you should receive a root canal or a tooth extraction as it depends on various factors. Some of those factors include the condition of the affected tooth and your overall oral health.
Benefits of a Root Canal:
- Preservation of the natural tooth
- Retain original tooth function and appearance
- Avoid adjacent tooth problems
Benefits of a Tooth Extraction
- Removal of a severely damaged or infected tooth
- Simple and quick procedure
- Potential to be less expensive than a root canal
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
It is common to have a crown placed over a root canal in order to help the procedure be long-lasting by providing extra protection for the tooth. However, your dentist will be able to determine whether a crown is needed or not based on your unique circumstances.
Is it painful?
While you will feel some level of discomfort during and after a root canal, our team at Winston-Salem is very skilled at the procedure and will keep you as comfortable as possible.
How should I prepare before undergoing root canal treatment?
If you aren’t sure what to expect during your procedure, talk to your dentist and they can help answer any questions you have.
Before the procedure, you will want to avoid alcohol or tobacco products for at least 24 hours as they can affect how your gums will react during the procedure.
You may also want to arrange for a ride to and from the appointment as you may receive sedatives for the procedure to help you relax.
Lastly, you will want to stock up on soft foods to eat after the procedure. Your mouth will be very sensitive post-procedure so eating can be difficult. You will want to avoid eating any hot, crunchy, or hard foods in order to not irritate the area and cause further pain.
What happens if an infected tooth is left untreated?
If left untreated, the infection in your tooth can spread to the jawbone and soft tissues of your face, neck, and beyond. This can cause extensive damage which will result in more pain, treatments, and expenses.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, is a procedure employed by periodontists and oral surgeons to increase the amount of bone in the upper molar areas in preparation for placement of dental implants. This procedure only pertains to patients who want implants in the upper molar areas. Why would a patient need a sinus augmentation procedure prior to implant placement?
Basically, after the upper molars are removed (extracted), the sinus cavity tends to drift closer to the jawbone ridge. Over time, the borders of the sinus cavity may drift so close to the crest of the jaw that there may not be enough bone to place implants. By “lifting up” the membrane that covers the sinus floor, the surgeon is able to add bone graft material into the sinus cavity, which will later be replaced by your own natural bone.
After allowing 3-9 months for the bone graft to become solid and mature, dental implants can be placed. In some cases, implants can be placed at the time of the sinus lift procedure; however, that decision is up to the discretion of the surgeon.
The sinus augmentation procedure is a safe and predictable method to increase the amount of bone necessary for dental implants.
Got a question?
No problem.
We will schedule your appointment with Winston-Salem Dental Specialists as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.
We value your time and do everything we can to stay on schedule and minimize your wait. While in our office, please enjoy your stay and have a nice beverage and relax in our serenity room; we also offer free WIFI to take care of some business during your visit. We appreciate your understanding and patience when unpredictable appointment delays occur.
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Winston-Salem Dental Specialists is a member of the following professional organizations (not all doctors belong to all these organizations):
