Why do I need a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that’s designed to preserve your natural tooth if it’s been severely compromised by decay or infection. Understanding what's happening inside your tooth helps you understand the procedure.
Your root canal is located deep within your tooth, and it houses nerves and blood vessels, which are surrounded by pulp. If bacteria enters this area, your pulp can become infected. If you don't get the infection treated, it can spread through the roots of your teeth and even into your jawbone, causing significant bone damage.
Luckily, an infection in a root canal is often caught early, especially during your regular visits to Dr. Geller. Outside of these regular visits, if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should have your tooth checked out:
- Pain, especially when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swelling in your gums
- Discoloration in your tooth
What causes a root canal infection?
Several conditions cause root canal infections, including:
- Excessive dental work on your tooth
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- An untreated cavity that causes deep decay
The good news is that Dr. Geller and his team can tackle the infection and save your tooth.
What is a root canal procedure?
Thanks to an intraoral scanner and 3D imaging, Dr. Geller can zero in on the problem area with precision and quickly resolve root canal issues. When he performs a root canal procedure, Dr. Geller:
- Numbs the area with a local anesthetic
- Accesses your root canal and clears away the bacteria
- Fills the area with gutta percha, a rubber-like compound
- Places a temporary or permanent filling in your tooth
If Dr. Geller opts for a temporary filling, it’s because he wants to cover your tooth with a crown, which takes time to manufacture. While you wait for your new crown, the filling helps protect the interior of your tooth.
Once your new crown arrives, Dr. Geller places it over your tooth and ensures that it fits in seamlessly with your natural teeth, both aesthetically and functionally.
If you suspect you may have a root canal infection, call Geller Family Dental, or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.
