Root Canals
If you have a toothache that won’t go away, a root canal may be the best solution to save your tooth. Read on to learn more about this oft-misunderstood treatment.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal repairs and saves a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.
The first step in any root canal is selecting the method of anesthesia or sedation that lets you relax and avoid feeling pain during the procedure.
During the procedure, we make an opening so that we can remove the nerve inside the tooth. Once it’s removed, we clean and seal the inside. Then we place a temporary filling to protect it until your follow-up appointment.
At the follow-up visit, we’ll place a filling or a crown on the affected tooth.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Good news! The root canal procedure is far less painful than the discomfort you’ve already experienced due to your damaged tooth.
During your root canal, local anesthesia or sedation will be provided to ensure that you feel relaxed and comfortable.
In the days after the procedure, your tooth may feel sensitive. Treatment options include over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.
We’ll work together to find the right solutions for you, both during and after your root canal.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
Signs and symptoms that you may need a root canal include:
- Prolonged tooth sensitivity
- Severe pain when you put pressure on your tooth
- Prominent darkening of the tooth
- Gum abscesses, swelling, or tenderness
If you’re suffering any of the above symptoms, schedule a consultation with our office. Root canals often get a bad rap, but with Dr. Giraldo, your root canal will be safe and relatively painless. And best of all, it will save your tooth—and your smile.