Root Canal Therapy – West Brookfield, MA

Of course, not every toothache needs root canal therapy to address. In more minor cases of decay, a filling or dental crown may be all that’s needed to restore your smile and bite. More severe cases are generally accompanied by:

• Severe dental pain that’s lasted more than a day
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Discomfort when you bite down
• Inflamed, red, or irritated gums
• A pimple-like bump on the soft tissue near the painful tooth

If these symptoms (or any other unusual symptoms) arise, then call our West Brookfield emergency dentist right away. From there, one of our knowledgeable team members can learn more about your situation and schedule an appointment for you to come in for treatment as soon as possible.

Although many patients are nervous or fearful when they find out they need root canal therapy in West Brookfield, it’s actually good news: it means your tooth can be saved! The first step in the process of saving your tooth is numbing it entirely. That way, you’ll be completely numb throughout your time in the treatment chair. Once you’re comfortable, we’ll begin treatment.
After creating a small hole in your enamel, we will remove all of the infected and diseased tissue. Next, the tooth will be cleaned and sanitized to ensure it’s free of bacteria. Then, we will use a biocompatible material to fill the tooth and top it with a custom-made dental crown. At this point, you’ll have a new and improved smile!

Root canal therapy in West Brookfield offers several benefits, including the following:
• Tooth preservation – The goal first and foremost is always to save your natural teeth. With root canal therapy, our skilled dentists can preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible while removing the damaged tissue.
• Prevent further damage to your oral health – If left alone to progress, the infection can burrow deeper and deeper, eventually requiring a tooth extraction. Not only does this take a significant toll on your oral health, but it’s a more costly treatment as well.
• Virtually painless – The reputation is far worse than the procedure. In fact, many patients find getting a root canal to be no more cumbersome than a standard filling.

Do Root Canals Make You Sick?

One of the biggest misconceptions about root canals is that they can make you ill. This stems from research conducted back in the 1920s by a dentist named Dr. Weston Price. At the time, the causes of many diseases were unknown, and his theory has been disproven several times over the years. To put it simply, there currently isn’t any scientific evidence supporting the claim that root canals make you sick.

With all of that said, if you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, you shouldn’t hesitate to let our dentist in West Brookfield know! That way, they can answer your questions, ease your fears, and provide further insight.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

Oftentimes, patients know when they have a cavity or a crack in their enamel because of the symptoms they are experiencing, like tender gums and pain when biting down. However, there are some cases where there aren’t any warning signs. That’s why it’s so important that you come to our office every six months for a checkup! During this visit, we look for lesser-known and not-so-obvious indicators that root canal treatment is needed, like inflammation, dark spots, or an abscess.

How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?

During the procedure, you won’t feel any pain because your mouth will be completely numb. A few hours after you return home, you’ll start to regain sensation, and, at that point, soreness, sensitivity, and discomfort may arise. The good news is that there are several ways you can alleviate symptoms like these, including rinsing with warm saltwater, taking OTC pain medication as directed, and not chewing on that side of your mouth. Around the three-day mark, you should start to feel significantly better.

Can Root Canals Be Prevented?

Oftentimes, root canals can be prevented. The key is proper care and maintenance. In addition to brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently at home, you should cut back on added sugar, wear a mouthguard during sports, and break bad habits, like chewing on ice cubes. It’s equally as important that you come to our office every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning so we can catch dental problems in the early stages and prevent others from developing.

Do I Still Need a Root Canal if My Toothache Went Away?

Now you know that toothaches aren’t the only warning sign of dental trouble. But what if your toothache went away? Do you still need to visit your dentist? The short answer is “yes.” After all, the most common reason for the change in symptoms is that the nerve has died, which is an indicator that the infection is very much still present. The best thing to do in this situation is to call us. Once we know more about your symptoms (or lack thereof), we can determine if an emergency visit is necessary.