A root canal saves a tooth that has been damaged by deep decay or infection. Inside each tooth is soft tissue called pulp, with nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach it, the tooth hurts, and the infection can spread to the surrounding bone and form an abscess. A root canal removes the inflamed or infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it.
Many people put off treatment because they are afraid it will hurt. With modern techniques, a root canal is not much more uncomfortable than a filling, and it takes away the pain rather than causing it. At Singh Smile Care in Glendale we offer same-day root canals, so you do not have to wait in pain.
The Pain a Root Canal Fixes
Teeth that need a root canal usually hurt, and the pain can be intense. A severe toothache that shows up even when you are not using the tooth is a classic sign. Some patients get headaches they do not connect to the tooth. A tooth with inflamed pulp is often sensitive to heat and cold, especially heat, and the sensitivity lingers after the trigger is gone. A tooth with dead, abscessed pulp hurts when you chew or press on it.
Signs You Should Call Us
Chips and cracks let bacteria into the tooth. Lingering sensitivity can mean the nerve is infected or damaged. Swelling in the gums may come and go, often with an abscess that causes a bad taste or odor. An infected tooth can feel loose because the bone around it softens. A tooth that turns grayish or dark may have a damaged root. If you notice any of these, call us.
- Pain when eating or touching the tooth
- Pain that will not go away
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swollen or tender gums, or a pimple on the gum
- A tooth turning dark or feeling loose
Why a Root Canal Becomes Necessary
A root canal is needed when the pulp is inflamed or infected and has to come out. Common causes are deep decay, cracks or chips, a faulty crown, repeated work on the same tooth, and facial injury, which can damage the pulp even without a visible crack. Left untreated, the tooth dies, which affects your oral health and your ability to chew.
The root canal keeps the rest of your tooth, and a crown usually goes on afterward to protect it. It only works if enough natural tooth remains. A severe fracture below the gum line may mean extraction, and a dental implant can then replace the tooth.
Treat It as an Emergency
A tooth that needs a root canal is a dying tooth. Waiting raises the risk that the pulp dies completely, and only a root canal or an extraction can resolve that. An untreated infection can lead to fever, jaw swelling, abscesses, sinus problems, and bone loss. Call us right away for severe pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold, a darkening tooth, swollen or tender gums, or a pimple on the gum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a root canal?
We take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and the extent of infection. After numbing the tooth, we remove the inflamed nerve and pulp, clean and shape the inside, and seal it. A crown often follows to protect the tooth.
Is a root canal painful?
Not like people fear. With local anesthetic, it feels much like getting a filling. The procedure treats the source of the pain, so most patients feel better afterward, not worse.
How long does a root canal take?
It varies with the tooth. Most are done in one or two appointments of about 90 minutes each. We offer same-day root canals, so in many cases we can start treatment the day you call.
What should I do while I recover?
Chew carefully on the other side, avoid pressure on the area, and eat soft foods until it heals. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough. Call us if the pain gets worse instead of better.
How long does recovery take?
Some discomfort for a few days after the anesthetic wears off is normal, especially if there was swelling. Most people are back to normal activities the next day.
Are there alternatives to a root canal?
If enough tooth remains, a root canal is the best way to keep it. If the tooth is cracked below the gum line or too damaged, extraction may be the only option, and a dental implant can then replace it.
Toothache? Don't Wait
Call (623) 400-6009 for same-day root canal treatment in Glendale.
