How To Tell if You Need Root Canal Therapy in Enterprise

It begins with some slight sensitivity when you’re enjoying your favorite summer treat – ice cream. You don’t think too much about it because it goes away quickly. The next thing you know, your tooth has more sensitivity, but Ibuprofen seems to do the trick and it feels better so you don’t contact your dentist. Before you know it, you are up in the middle of the night with severe pain that won’t let you sleep. The next day you are told that you need root canal therapy in Enterprise. How did this happen, and could it have been avoided?

When Do I Need a Root Canal?

When decay or bacteria reach the pulp, or nerve of your tooth, it will cause an infection and you will experience severe pain. This can happen when your tooth becomes decayed, traumatized, or fractured. In order to preserve your tooth, the infected tissue will need to be removed with root canal therapy.

It is important to note that a dental infection will not get better without treatment, so if you’re experiencing a toothache, please don’t wait to call us. In fact, a dental infection can spread and even lead to tooth loss if it’s left untreated.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Dr. Schaffeld will remove the infected tissue inside your tooth through a small access hole made at the top. Once the infection is cleaned out, the hole will be sealed with a temporary filling and your tooth is given time to heal. After healing has taken place, you’ll return to our office to have your tooth rebuilt and strengthened with either a permanent filling or dental crown.

Will Root Canal Therapy Hurt?

Root canals have received a bad reputation over the years because they’re typically associated with pain. However, it’s actually your dental infection that is causing your pain, and root canal therapy relieves it.

Dr. Schaffeld uses the best dental anesthetics to ensure that you don’t feel anything during your treatment. We also have options for dental sedation for those patients who may need additional assistance getting through their procedure.

How to Avoid Root Canal Therapy

Did you know that many root canal procedures could have been avoided? It’s true! Preventive dentistry, which is your routine cleaning and checkup appointments, can help to detect issues like tooth decay early on. With early detection, Dr. Schaffeld is often able to eliminate tooth decay with a less invasive dental filling.

If you’re experiencing dental pain, or if perhaps it’s time to schedule your next routine appointment, give your dentist in Enterprise a call today.