Root canal (or endodontic) treatment is performed when the soft insides of your tooth become infected due to some form of deep decay. The tooth can also become inflamed or infected due to repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, cracks or chips in the teeth, deep cavities, or issues from a previous filling. Root canal treatment eliminates the bacteria from the infected root canal, prevents reinfection of the tooth, and saves the natural tooth.
Signs You Need A Root Canal
You may need a root canal if:
- Your teeth are sensitive, particularly to hot and cold sensations
- You have severe pain while chewing or biting
- You have pimples on the gums
- You have swollen or tender gums
- You have deep decay or darkening of the gums
Many people ignore the need to get a timely root canal performed for their inflamed teeth. Such procrastination can be very harmful to your oral health and you could lose one or more of your teeth in severe cases. Getting a root canal means that you will likely save your tooth, get relief from pain, and have healthy teeth again.
The Root Canal Process
At Mt. Angel Dental, Dr. Weishoff performs root canal procedures using the WaveOne GOLD technology. WaveOne GOLD is used in endodontic procedures as a metallurgically advanced single-file technique for shaping the canals.
During a root canal treatment, the inflamed and infected pulp, bacteria, and their related by-products are all removed thoroughly. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before it is filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then restored with a crown or filling for protection.
Root Canal Treatment in Mt. Angel, Oregon
At Mt. Angel Dental, Dr. Weishoff has extensive experience with root canal treatment. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Weishoff today to see if you need root canal treatment. For appointments, call Mt. Angel Dental at (503) 845-2273, or you may request an appointment online.
Root Canal FAQs
Root canals are performed under local anesthesia. After the procedure, the patient may feel a bit numb or sore and have mild discomfort for a few days. In most cases, taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help ease any pain or swelling.
How many appointments are needed for root canal treatment?
The number of appointments needed will depend on the condition of your tooth and your circumstances. However, on average, the process is completed in one or two sittings.
How long does root canal treatment take?
A typical root canal treatment can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. More complex cases may take longer.
Is it better to pull a tooth or get a root canal?
Tooth extractions can be better than root canals; however, your dentist will always recommend saving a natural tooth whenever possible. Additionally, it costs less to have root canal treatment with restoration to the natural tooth than to have a tooth pulled. If you have a tooth pulled, you will also have to bear the cost of a dental implant or dental bridge to replace the missing tooth.
Why is it better to save the natural tooth?
Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment means that you can:
- Maintain efficient chewing
- Maintain normal biting force and sensation
- Continue to have a natural appearance
- Protect other teeth from excessive wear or strain
Do you perform molar root canal treatment?
When a root canal is performed on one of the molar teeth, it is called a molar root canal. We do not perform this type of root canal treatment at Mt. Angel Dental.
Can you have a tooth filled instead of a root canal?
The procedure you will need depends on the amount of tooth decay you have. Typically, a filling is recommended for smaller cavities or minor tooth decay. However, a root canal is recommended when tooth decay is more severe and has affected the tooth’s pulp. This is because a root canal can prevent further damage to the tissue.
How soon after a root canal can you return to normal activities?
After a root canal, you may still feel numb for 2 to 4 hours. You can return to school or work if you feel up to it; however, avoid eating anything until the numbness goes away.
How long does a root canal last?
If proper oral hygiene routines are followed, most teeth with root canal treatment can last a lifetime.
