Root Canals
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Suburban Dental
Cosmetic Dentists & General Dentists located in Allentown, PA
If you have a deep cavity or trauma to your tooth, a root canal can heal your issue and ease your pain. The team at Suburban Dental in Allentown, Pennsylvania, led by Stephen Charnitski, DMD, provides the highest level of endodontic treatment, specializing in root canals. To make an appointment, call the practice today or use the online booking tool.
Root Canals Q & A
What are root canals?
Root canals treat problems that affect your tooth pulp, which is a soft substance inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Pulp nourishes your tooth and helps it experience hot and cold sensations, but it’s not needed for your tooth to survive.
When you have a diseased or damaged tooth, root canal therapy removes the nerve and pulp of your compromised tooth. It also cleans the infected area and seals your tooth with a custom restoration.
When are root canals necessary?
You might need a root canal if you experience an issue that affects your tooth pulp, such as:
- Trauma to your tooth
- Untreated cavities
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Repetitive dental work on a tooth
You can have issues with your pulp without knowing it. Sometimes, your tooth doesn’t present symptoms in the beginning. However, if you notice swelling, heat in your gums, or experience pain, call Suburban Dental immediately.
What can I expect during a root canal procedure?
After your provider performs an oral exam and identifies the infection with a digital X-ray, you’re ready for your root canal.
The dental team first administers a local anesthetic to ensure a painless procedure. Your provider then makes a small hole in your tooth to gain access to the infected pulp. They eliminate your infection, clean the tooth, and seal it with a permanent filling or prepare your tooth for a temporary filling.
If your tooth needs a crown, they take a digital scan or an impression to create your restoration. When you come back for your second appointment, they place your crown to protect your tooth and restore it to its full function.
What can I expect following a root canal?
After your procedure, you might experience some mild swelling and tooth sensitivity. To help, your provider may recommend:
- Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums
- Being careful to brush and floss very gently
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication
- Eating soft foods for the first 48 hours after your root canal
To find out if you can benefit from a root canal, call Suburban Dental today or book an appointment online.
