Root Canal Therapy – Gainesville, GA
Give Your Damaged Tooth a Second Chance
When teeth are badly damaged, you might think that the only solution is to have it extracted. While this may have been commonplace decades ago, it’s far from the standard today. Instead, Dr. Her takes all the steps necessary to ensure the most successful and comfortable root canal therapy in Gainesville, GA, no matter how extensive your dental issue. During your appointment, we’ll go over the treatment in great detail so that you feel ready and confident to have your tooth restored. Call our dental office to schedule your next appointment!
Why Choose Lifetime Dental of Gainesville for Root Canal Therapy?
- Same-Day Crowns Available via CEREC
- Strong and Effective Sedation Dentistry
- Advanced 3D Scanning Technology
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Just because you have a toothache doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to get a root canal. This service is reserved for teeth that have been damaged, decayed, or infected to the point where they can’t be treated with just a filling or dental crown. Here are some of the more common symptoms that could indicate that you’re in need of a root canal to save your tooth:
- Severe toothache or dental pain that’s lasted for more than 24 hours.
- New or worsening tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Pain in one or more teeth when you bite down.
- Swollen, red, or tender gum tissue.
- Bump on the gums near the painful tooth.
If you’re dealing with one or more of these symptoms, let us know so we can get you started with an appointment as soon as possible.
The Root Canal Process
The root canal process is fairly straightforward. It begins with a local anesthetic to numb the discomfort you may be feeling. Next, we will remove the pulp and any other infected structure from the teeth. Then, we will clean out the inner chamber of the tooth before sealing it. Often times, we’ll take impressions of the teeth and have a custom dental crown created for additional protection. We offer same-day crowns available via CEREC so you can walk out of the office with a restored smile.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Root canal therapy is a safe way to prevent oral health issues from occurring later on. Some of the benefits include:
- Preserves the tooth: Saving a tooth with root canal therapy can save you lots of time, money, discomfort, and complications.
- Fight against bacteria: Root canal therapy cleans away harmful bacteria that are causing you pain and discomfort.
- Painless treatment: While root canals have a bad reputation, they’re actually virtually pain-free! They feel similar to getting a standard filling, and they require much less healing time than an extraction.
Root Canal FAQs
No matter what questions you have about root canal treatment – including how much it costs – our Gainesville team is here to help you find the answers. However, we also know that sometimes life can get hectic, so your schedule might not allow you to get on the phone today to talk to our team. That’s okay! For that reason, we’ve responded to some FAQs below.
Do I Still Need a Root Canal if My Toothache Went Away?
If a tooth that was once causing you pain now feels completely fine, don’t rejoice. Most often, this is the result of the infection “killing” the nerve of your tooth. This means that the damage is dangerously close to spreading throughout your mouth, resulting in even further complications. So, the short answer is “yes, even if your toothache went away, you still need root canal treatment.”
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
Although antibiotics can reliably treat bacterial infections in other areas of your body, they can’t treat tooth infections. The reason for this is that your bloodstream doesn’t reach the pulp of your tooth. So, to restore the look, health, and function of your smile, you need to schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist ASAP.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
No, root canals do not make you sick. However, there is a common misconception that they do due to poorly designed research from the 1920s. At the time, a dentist claimed that infected teeth should be extracted instead of treated due to “lingering bacteria,” but their findings have been debunked for decades now. The reality is that NOT getting root canal treatment when you need it can make you sick.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to help prevent the need for root canal treatment. First, commit to a solid oral hygiene routine at home, which includes flossing each and every day. You also should get a dental checkup and cleaning every six months (or sooner if you’re prone to cavities and other oral health issues). Lastly, refrain from unhealthy dental habits, like smoking, biting your nails, and eating sugar in excess.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Good news: the answer is “no!” We have powerful numbing agents, advanced treatment techniques, and the latest technology to thank for that. Plus, if you struggle with a fear of the dentist (or a specific dental procedure) you can add sedation dentistry to your treatment plan. That way, your visit is free of pain and anxiety.
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
Typically, patients feel better within three days. In that time, there are a few things you can do to combat the soreness, including sticking to soft foods, placing a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, rinsing with warm saltwater, and taking OTC pain medication. If your pain persists or worsens, then you should contact our Gainesville dental team ASAP so we can make sure an infection hasn’t developed.