INFECTED TOOTH NERVE TREATMENT IN CHANDLER, AZ

Do I Need a Root Canal

Root canals can save or repair teeth that have been damaged by infection or decay. When a tooth does not get needed root canal treatment, the surrounding tissue may become infected and surrounded by abscesses. Root canals consist of removing the inflamed and infected nerve and pulp of the tooth.

Root canals are available at Arizona Family Dental in Chandler and the surrounding area. Do not put off saving your tooth.

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dentist explaining procedure to a woman in pain

Resolving Pain With Root Canals

The dental issues that cause the need for root canals often make patients uncomfortable. At the bare minimum, patients will experience an excruciating toothache. These toothaches may be spontaneous, occurring even when the patient is not using the tooth. Eventually, this may evolve into a severe headache. Many patients often do not make the connection between the toothache and the headache.

A tooth that is still alive will also be sensitive to heat and cold, even after the patient has removed the stimulus. The tooth may be particularly susceptible to heat sensitivity. Patients with teeth that are already dead and have become abscessed will cause pain when the patient chews or otherwise puts pressure on the tooth. Any abscesses may produce swelling or bleeding, even to the point of requiring emergency care.

Chips or cracks in the tooth

Chips or cracks in the tooth allow empty spaces for bacteria to settle in and cause infection and inflammation, while tooth sensitivity may be a sign of severe decay or nerve damage.

Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity may linger longer when the blood vessels and nerves in the tooth have become infected or damaged. Swelling may also come and go. It is frequently associated with abscesses, which may be accompanied by unpleasant taste and odor.

Infected teeth

Infected teeth may also feel looser than healthy teeth, due to nerve death softening the bone. Furthermore, teeth may turn grayish-black when the roots have been damaged and the internal tissue has been broken down.

EMERGENCY ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Emergency Root Canals

Since every tooth that requires a root canal is in the process of dying, patients should consider every root canal an emergency procedure. Delaying treatment will only increase the chances of pulp necrosis, or having the pulp of the tooth die off entirely. Only a root canal procedure or tooth extraction can reverse the symptoms of pulp necrosis. When left untreated, pulp necrosis may put patients at risk for infection, fever, jaw swelling, cellulitis, abscesses (including those in the brain), sinusitis, periodontitis, and bone loss. Contact our office immediately if you are experiencing severe toothaches when biting down or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures (especially hot), darkening or discoloration of the teeth, swelling or tender gums, and pimples on the gums.

What happens during a root canal?
A root canal procedure may require multiple office visits. The first step is for our team to take an X-ray to see the shape of your root canals and look for any signs of infection. Then, during the actual procedure, the dentist removes the inflamed nerve and pulp of the tooth. The inside of the tooth will be cleaned and sealed.
Is it painful to get a root canal?
It is a common misconception that root canals are excruciatingly painful. With modern technology, getting a root canal is not much more uncomfortable than getting a cavity filled. Root canals can address the causes of any pain you have been experiencing due to the damaged tissues.
How long does it take to get a root canal?
This varies on a case-by-case basis. However, most patients can expect one or two 90-minute appointments.
What should I do while recovering from a root canal?
Avoid placing any pressure on the affected area, and eat carefully. Refrain from chewing on the side of the mouth where you had your root canal. Opt for soft foods until your tooth has healed. Usually, patients can manage any pain or discomfort during this time with over-the-counter medication.
How long will it take me to recover from my root canal?
You may be uncomfortable for a few days after the anesthesia wears off, especially if you were already dealing with swelling and inflammation. You should be able to return to your normal activities as soon as the day after the procedure. If your pain worsens or does not subside, call our office immediately.