Tooth pain is hard to ignore. It might start as a dull ache or turn into sharp, throbbing pain when you chew. When it gets that bad, it usually means an infection has reached the deep, sensitive parts of your tooth.
Our Cleveland team at Trinity Dental Centers relies on root canals to treat these exact issues. The whole process focuses on stopping the pain and clearing the infection while keeping your natural tooth intact.
Why Do You Need a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when bacteria get inside your tooth through a deep cavity or a crack. That inner area houses the nerves, and once bacteria get in there, an infection sets in quickly.
Signs that you should schedule an evaluation include constant throbbing, swollen gums, or pain that lingers long after drinking hot or cold liquids. Catching it early prevents the infection from spreading to your jawbone.
What Happens During the Procedure?
We always start with X-rays. Your dentist needs to see the exact shape of the roots and check the surrounding bone before touching the tooth.
Next, we numb the area around the problem tooth. You will feel some pressure while we work, but the medicine keeps you from feeling any actual pain. Once the numbing takes effect, the dentist makes a small opening in the top of the tooth.
We use small instruments to clear the damaged pulp out of the inner tunnels. Cleaning and disinfecting the root canals helps remove infected tissue and bacteria before the canals are sealed. To finish up, we fill the empty space with a sealing material and close the opening with a temporary filling.
How Comfortable Is the Visit?
We don’t start working until the area is completely numb. Our dentist in Cleveland uses local anesthesia so you don’t feel pain while we treat the tooth. Over time, we’ve seen that keeping things simple helps patients stay calm.
Tell us if you feel nervous about your visit. We can talk about sedation options to help you relax in the chair. We want to keep the appointment simple, especially since your tooth is already sore.
What Should You Expect Afterward?
Once the numbness wears off, you will likely feel some mild tenderness or soreness in your jaw for a few days. This is completely normal and responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers.
Stick to soft foods for the first couple of days and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth until the soreness goes away. Most people get back to their normal daily routine by the next morning.
When Is the Final Step?
A tooth that needs a root canal is often weak from previous decay or a large crack. Because of this, you will usually need to return for a follow-up appointment to get a permanent dental crown.
The custom crown fits over your existing tooth to protect it from breaking. Once that crown is bonded into place, you can eat, bite, and smile normally without worrying about pain.
Wrapping Up
We want your visits to get easier every single time. Getting a root canal is simply about stopping your pain and saving your natural tooth before the infection spreads. Call Trinity Dental Centers in Cleveland at (281) 724-4510 today to schedule your visit and get relief.
