Root canal therapy (RCT) is vital to save teeth that would otherwise be lost to infection or decay. Your dentist recommends this procedure when the soft tissue inside the root canal, called pulp, becomes infected, leading to pain and swelling.
Symptoms of Infected Root Canal
Recognizing the symptoms of an infected root canal can be invaluable in knowing when to seek the timely treatment you need:
- A persistent toothache
- Gum swelling or tenderness
- Lingering sensitivity to hot and cold
- Sharp pain when touching the tooth
- Tooth darkening or discoloration
What’s Involved with Root Canal Treatment?
When you arrive for root canal treatment, you can expect the following steps:
- Examining the tooth and taking x-rays to identify the extent of the infection
- Administering a strong local anesthetic to numb the tooth
- Creating a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp
- Removing infected pulp using precise rotary endodontic tools and disinfecting the tooth
- Filling the cleaned and shaped canal with a biocompatible material and sealing the tooth
- Placing a crown or filling to restore the tooth's function and appearance
Root Canal Recovery Time
After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, which is normal. There are no special steps or precautions, and over-the-counter pain medications can usually manage any discomfort.
Recovery typically takes a few days, but the long-term outlook for the tooth is excellent, with success rates for root canal treatment being very high.
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
If you're in pain and suspect you might need a root canal, don't wait. Dr. Christian Yang offers prompt emergency root canal treatment in Downey, CA, so you don’t have to wait a moment longer than necessary for prompt relief. Please call us at (562) 869-4713 so we can help you!