Root canal treatment is needed when bacteria cause an infection or inflammation of the dental pulp deep inside a tooth. Root canal treatment is the only way to remove the infected tissue and relieve the pain that often accompanies the infection.
The Root Canal Myth
Despite everything you’ve probably heard, performing a root canal is a straightforward, pain-free process. The idea that it’s painful is a myth because the procedure relieves any pain you’re experiencing due to the infection.
What to Expect with Root Canal Treatment
Dr. Darrell Curtis and Dr. Shane Curtis are endodontists who perform comfortable, pain-free root canal treatment in five basic steps:
- Numb the tooth so you won’t feel any pain.
- Access and remove the infected pulp using modern technology.
- Cleanse and disinfect the area inside the tooth.
- Fill the area with a biocompatible material to help prevent reinfection.
- Seal the tooth and place a temporary filling to protect it as it heals.
Some soreness for a day or two after root canal treatment is common but easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
About two weeks after your procedure, you'll see your general dentist, and they will place a final filling or crown on the tooth to protect it. The result is a tooth that might have been extracted will now provide many more years of use.
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
You might have a root canal infection if you experience an intense toothache, extreme tooth sensitivity, or swollen gums. Please feel free to call Curtis Endodontics in Camp Hill, PA, so we can determine the best way to help you.