Root Canals

Root canals have the reputation of being painful and a procedure to avoid. But, if you need one, they actually relieve pain and save your tooth. The team at Plaza Dental Group in West Des Moines, Iowa, has the skills and chairside manner to make your root canal experience as pleasant and effective as possible. Call the office today or use the online tool to book an appointment if you have symptoms that suggest you need a root canal.

What are root canals?

Root canals are a treatment to save an infected tooth. Deep inside your tooth sits the pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerve endings. This pulp is critical to the development of a tooth, but when your tooth is mature, the pulp doesn’t play an essential role. If the pulp becomes infected, you may lose the tooth entirely if it’s not treated promptly. 

During a root canal, your dentist drills a tiny hole in the affected tooth, removes all the pulp and signs of infection, and replaces it with a biocompatible material. They seal up the tooth to maintain its integrity and cap it with a crown to protect it from further damage. 

What are the signs that I need a root canal?

In many cases, you’ll experience significant pain that tells you your tooth has an infection and requires immediate care. But, infected tooth pulp doesn’t always cause symptoms. Your dentist may notice the problem during a routine exam or dental X-ray.

In addition to pain, these symptoms also suggest you may need a root canal:

• Abscess or pus drainage
• Swelling in the cheek or gum
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold
• Soreness when you’re chewing or pressing on the tooth
• Tooth discoloration

If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment at Plaza Dental Group right away. The sooner you get treatment, the earlier you get relief from pain and avoid tooth loss. 

Are root canals painful?

Root canals themselves aren’t painful because you’re placed under local anesthesia for the procedure. The infection that requires a root canal is the reason for your pain. 

After your root canal, expect some soreness and tooth sensitivity for a few days. The discomfort should gradually subside over a week. Over-the-counter pain medications can help you find temporary relief. 

If your pain worsens or goes on longer than a week, make an appointment to come back to Plaza Dental Group to ensure you don’t have a complication from your treatment. 

Patients needing a root canal can call the team at Plaza Dental Group or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.