Root Canal Owings Mills, MD

Do you have excruciating tooth pain or a toothache that won’t go away? Are you wondering why your tooth hurts? It might be a sign of serious tooth decay.

When patients are experiencing a tooth infection, they are often in a lot of pain. Root canal infections cause the inner pulp of the tooth to become inflamed, causing painful symptoms. Patients may find it difficult to eat or conduct their daily activities. Some try to medicate the pain away with Tylenol or similar pain relievers. Although they may reduce the pain for a few hours, they are only covering the pain, not addressing the root cause.

We have comprehensive dental services available to treat infections and relieve pain effectively.

Fortunately, catching tooth decay in the earliest stages of development allows for the most conservative tooth cavity treatment options. Once the inner pulp of the tooth becomes infected, a root canal is often the best treatment option.

Owings Mills Dental Care offers root canal treatments to restore health and stability to the infected tooth, supporting long-term bite stability and excellent oral health. Sometimes, an infected tooth is beyond saving, so we may recommend a tooth extraction. We do our best to save as much of your tooth as possible.

Root canal treatments are often talked about as painful procedures. What many patients may not realize is that it is the infection itself, not the procedure, that is causing them discomfort. The root canal procedure often relieves patients of the pain they are experiencing by removing the infected and inflamed pulp from the tooth.

Once the dentist has cleared the infected pulp from the tooth, the patient typically feels immediate pain relief from their symptoms. At Owings Mills Dental Care we restore patient’s oral health by using the least-invasive treatment plan possible.

At Owings Mills Dental Care we always strive to provide the most conservative, and effective treatment options available to restore patient’s oral health. Whenever possible, your dentist will preserve as much of the natural smile as possible to help support long-term oral health.

Purpose of Root Canal Therapy

The goal of root canals is to save teeth with severe decay or infection. If the pulp within your tooth gets infected, it will cause a lot of intense pain and swelling. Failing to seek treatment will result in the infection spreading. If the infection spreads to other areas of your body, it can lead to serious health problems. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp. We will also clean the inside of the tooth and seal it. This prevents getting another infection.

The tooth pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When bacteria invade this area due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or a crack or chip in the tooth, it can lead to an abscess. This emergency condition is a pocket of pus that forms at the bottom of the teeth roots. An abscess will cause severe pain. This condition can also result in severe damage including bone loss and tooth loss.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

• Severe toothache: Persistent and severe pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure.
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold: Lingering sensitivity or pain after the hot or cold stimulus has been removed.
• Swollen or tender gums: Swelling, tenderness, or a large pocket of pus on the gums near the affected tooth.
• Darkening of the tooth: Discoloration or darkening of the tooth, which may indicate nerve damage.
• Pimple-like bump on the gums: A small bump on the gums that may release pus, indicating an abscess.

The Root Canal Procedure

The root canal procedure is a conservative, simple, and routine dental treatment. Root canals are typically performed in just one visit to our Owings Mills, MD dentist office. Most patients will receive a local anesthetic so they are comfortable and relaxed during their root canal treatment.

Your dentist will create a tiny hole in the back of the infected tooth. Through this hole, he will use a unique tool to scrape out the diseased tooth pulp. Once the tooth is free of decay, the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and then filled with a biocompatible resin. The resin will help to stabilize the tooth and to seal out bacteria to help prevent future infection.

The majority of patients who receive a root canal will also receive a custom dental crown. The dental crown covers all sides of the treated tooth and helps to support the long-term stability of the bite. Made from high-quality dental resin, dental crowns are custom-designed to blend with the natural smile for a beautiful and durable result.

Risks of Root Canal Therapy

In most cases, root canal therapy is very successful. However, there are some risks that you should be aware of. Potential complications include:

• Infection: If bacteria remain in the root canals, you will get another infection. If you get another infection, you will need more treatment or even another root canal.
• Tooth Fracture: A weakened tooth may crack, especially if it doesn’t get a dental crown. The dental crown helps protect the tooth from breaking.
• Post-Procedure Pain: Some patients experience pain or discomfort after the procedure. This should subsides after a few days of caring for your tooth. We suggest that you take over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage this discomfort.

How Can I Reduce the Risk of Problems after a Root Canal?

To minimize your risk of issues after a root canal, follow these tips:

• Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions: Proper aftercare is the best way to prevent problems. If you follow our directions, you will have a smooth recovery.
• Take good care of your oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing: You must keep our teeth and gums healthy after a root canal to reduce the risk of future infections.
• Avoid chewing on hard foods until your tooth has fully healed: This helps prevent damage to tooth your dentist just treated and helps it heal properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering about root canals? Many of our patients are curious about this dental service we offer and ask many questions about it. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand root canals better and ease any concerns you might have.

Are root canals painful? 

No. This common misconception is not true. The dentist will numb your mouth for this dental procedure so you don’t feel any pain. The procedure itself does not take long. Your dentist or endodontist can complete it in a single office visit.

Do I really need a dental crown after a root canal?

It depends on where your root canal is located. You may not need a dental crown placed on front teeth, canines, and incisors after a root canal. Your molars and premolars may need a dental crown after a root canal procedure.

Is a root canal necessary?

Yes. To save your tooth, you will need to agree to get a root canal. This procedure allows a dentist not to have to remove an infected tooth. If the damage to your tooth is too much, we will recommend a tooth extraction, but we do our best to save as much of your natural teeth as possible. There’s nothing better than having natural teeth.

Is a crown necessary after a root canal?

The consensus is that a dentist or endodontist should place a crown immediately after the root canal procedure. This is to prevent further damage or infections. However, the need for a crown will depend on the tooth’s location and the decay’s extent. For instance, premolars and molars will likely need crowns because you need more for chewing. A filling may suffice for front teeth with minimal decay. Your dentist will evaluate the tooth’s structure and location to determine the best course. 

Can you eat after a root canal?

After a root canal, dentists generally recommend that patients wait until the numbness wears off before eating. The specific timeline can vary, but you can slowly transition back to your regular diet within one day. Dentists will suggest you consume soft and easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, soups, and mashed potatoes during recovery. It is important to follow the post-procedure guidelines provided by your dentist.

How can I make my root canal heal faster?

Take any medications your dentist prescribes to help your root canal heal faster. This will ensure no infections arise. Next, you can apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling. You should also eat soft foods and avoid drinking hot drinks. Finally, resting your head elevated, especially on the first night, can help minimize swelling.