Root Canal Treatment Guide [A Video Q&A]

A toothache can be more than just an occasional problem. In some cases, dental pain has a real and serious underlying cause that requires treatment. At Healthy Habit Dental Care, we prioritize your comfort and dental health above all else. If you’re experiencing severe or lasting tooth pain, we may perform a root canal to relieve pain and effectively save your tooth!

What Is a Root Canal?

The term “root canal” can refer to one of two things.

First, there is a structural root canal. Your teeth have roots at their end, which embed in your jawbone. Inside these roots is a hollow chamber called the root canal. Within the canal lies dental pulp, a collection of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. And when bacteria breach your tooth and infect your dental pulp, it can cause intense pain.

The second meaning refers to root canal treatment, or therapy. This process involves reaching inside the tooth to remove infected pulp, effectively relieving your pain.

While root canals have a bad reputation, the process actually relieves more pain than it causes. Most patients feel immediate relief and are able to save their tooth from needing an extraction!

At Healthy Habit, our doctors are experienced in performing root canals. Dr. Myrna Aguilar, in particular, is known for her skill and attention to patient comfort. She focuses on providing high-quality care while keeping the procedure as comfortable as possible.

What Are the Signs You May Need a Root Canal?

Typically, a root canal infection comes with clear warning signs. Things to watch out for include:

• Severe or persistent pain: Because dental pulp is made of nerves, infections can be very painful. This pain will not go away on its own, and you may even lose the tooth without treatment.
• Temperature sensitivity: If your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, it may be a sign of a deeper issue. While occasional sensitivity is normal, this sensitivity will linger.
• Swollen gums: The gum tissue around an infected tooth may be red, puffy, or sore. While sore gums may be a sign of other issues, such as gum disease, it may also be a symptom of a root canal infection.
• Dental abscess: You may notice a pimple-like bump on your gums. This is actually a dental abscess, or a pocket of pus in your gums that forms due to infection.
• Tooth discoloration: If your tooth turns from white/yellowish to dark grey or black, that is a clear sign of infection.

If you notice any of these signs, contact our office right away. We will speak with you over the phone and assess whether you need an emergency dental appointment.

What Happens After Root Canal Therapy?

After root canal therapy, your tooth is vulnerable to further infection. The best way to prevent re-infection is to seal off the tooth and remove any decaying portions.

Typically, once your dental pulp is removed, we will place a dental crown on top of your tooth. This tooth-shaped cap fits over a decayed tooth, protecting it on all sides.

At Healthy Habit Dental Care, we offer same-day crowns. Immediately after your root canal treatment, we can provide you with a custom-crafted crown to protect your smile!

Using our innovative CEREC machine, we will design and mill a high-quality crown that is custom-fit to your smile. And once your crown is ready, we will cement it over your damaged tooth to protect your smile from infection and keep your tooth functional.

Relieve Tooth Pain in Temecula, CA!

Tooth pain can be a serious issue, especially when there is an underlying cause that requires prompt treatment. If you’re experiencing severe pain or other signs of a root canal infection, contact our office. We will get you in as soon as possible for an examination and root canal treatment to relieve your dental pain.

Visit Healthy Habit Dental Care in Temecula, CA, for quality care that keeps you smiling.

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