Root Canal Specialist

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a restorative dental treatment that removes decay from the interior of your teeth. Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures performed today and can preserve your natural teeth, helping you avoid extractions, implants, and dentures.

Root canals are needed when decay has reached the pulpy interior of your tooth that houses the blood vessels and nerves that keep the tooth alive. Decay can reach the interior of your tooth when a cavity is left untreated or from problems inside of your tooth.

What are signs that I need a root canal?

If you need a root canal, you’ll experience a severe toothache that is worse when you chew or put pressure on your teeth. Your tooth may become dark and discolored. You may also experience temperature sensitivity to both hot and cold. It’s also common for your gums to become swollen and tender.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call Tice Valley Dental, or book an appointment online today for a checkup. Make sure to let Dr. Karimian know about your symptoms.

What should I expect during a root canal treatment?

A root canal is similar to a simple filling procedure. Dr. Karimian thoroughly numbs your damaged tooth and the surrounding tissue. He then drills into your tooth to remove any decayed or damaged tissue. He works carefully and stops often to check his work so that he doesn’t remove too much healthy tissue.

He cleans any debris out of your tooth before filling it with a special dental composite material and sealing the tooth. If your tooth is severely damaged, he’ll fit you with a dental crown to provide additional strength and support to your tooth.

How should I take care of my teeth after a root canal?

You may experience some tenderness immediately following your root canal treatment, but this is easily treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and cold compresses and should subside within a day. Following your root canal, you can brush your teeth as normal, for two minutes, twice a day and floss daily. You’ll also need to attend routine dental cleaning and checkups with Dr. Karimian. He’ll let you know if you need more frequent checkups than twice a year.

Call or schedule an appointment online today if you’re experiencing tooth pain and think you might need a root canal.