Root Canal Treatment

Chagrin Falls Dental provides root canal treatment in Chagrin Falls, OH. Call 330-562-3400 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

A root canal can often save a tooth that is badly decayed or damaged. Root canals are highly feared, but modern methods have rendered this common procedure virtually pain-free. Here is what you should know.

Each tooth contains between one and four root canals filled with tooth pulp—a mixture of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Depending on your needs we can treat one or all of the canals during one procedure.

The first step is to thoroughly numb your tooth. Next, we will create a small hole through the crown of the tooth down into the root chamber, exposing the root canals. We will then remove all of the infected or damaged tissue and carefully clean the canal. We will use a series of files to gently reshape the canal, insert a post if required, and use a biocompatible material to seal the canal. Finally, we will place a temporary filling to you to wear while a customized crown is fabricated for you.

Sometimes teeth that need root canals show no obvious signs. In general, though, you will likely experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Tooth discoloration
• Pain, especially when chewing
• Swelling in the gums
• Temperature sensitivity in the tooth

If the tooth is not treated promptly, it is likely to develop an abscess. Symptoms of an abscess include severe swelling, intense pain, bleeding, and worsening dental damage. Over time, it can lead to a system-wide infection in your body.

Unfortunately, a tooth that needs a root canal cannot be treated in any other way. The only option would be to have the tooth pulled. While dental implants and other restorations are reasonable options for replacing teeth that cannot be saved, nothing is as good as your own tooth. If the tooth can be saved with a root canal, this is by far the best choice.

Despite its fearsome reputation, a root canal is no more troublesome or painful than any other dental procedure. In fact, an infected tooth tends to cause severe pain, and many patients feel significantly better as soon as the root canal is complete. Some minor discomfort is normal in the hours following the procedure, which typically responds well to over the counter pain medications.

You might experience some sensitivity in the tooth for a few days, and it is best not to chew directly on it until you receive your crown. Most people can go back to work the next day and feel completely normal within three days. Of course, if you do experience any unusual symptoms such as bleeding or significant pain, it is important to call us right away.

If you suspect that you need a root canal, call Chagrin Falls Dental today at 440-247-8641 for more information or to schedule your appointment.