Experiencing a severe toothache?
If so, you may need root canal surgery. While this might sound intimidating, the treatment is actually much less painful than most patients anticipate.
Signs You Need Root Canal Surgery
When the pulp inside your tooth gets infected, it can be very painful. This can be the result of an injury that damages or cracks the tooth or a cavity that has been left untreated. The following symptoms are an indication that you probably need root canal surgery:
- A severe toothache that makes chewing difficult
- It hurts to drink hot or cold beverages
- The tooth gets darker in color, often becoming grey or brown
- Swelling at the base of the tooth
What is Root Canal Surgery
A tooth has three parts: The outer section of a tooth is called the enamel. The enamel is the hard, white surface that protects the tooth. The layer directly beneath the enamel is called the dentin. Dentin is yellowish in color and it protects the innermost layer of your tooth, which is called the pulp. The pulp is the soft tissues that nourishes the tooth. It consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
The goal of root canal surgery is to save a badly infected tooth from extraction. To begin root canal surgery, our Grand Rapids dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site. Next, a sheet of latex called a dental dam is placed around the infected tooth to isolate it from your other teeth.
The dentist then makes a small hole to remove the damaged pulp. After the pulp has been eliminated, we fill the area with a rubber-like material called gutta percha. Then the tooth will be covered with a crown to protect it from future infection. The crown is designed to restore the look, color, and shape of your tooth.
Have a Toothache? Visit our Dentist in Grand Rapids
While it might be easy to put off visits to the dentist, visiting Robson Family Dental for routine cleanings and checkups is an important way of helping identify potential cavities and infections before they ruin your smile. Call today to arrange your next visit. We also provide a variety of cosmetic and restorative treatments such as dental implants to give you the smile you always dreamed about.