Root Canal Treatment Scottsdale, AZ Endodontics

If you’re experiencing any level of tooth pain, it’s essential to seek an evaluation from a qualified dental provider right away. Unaddressed dental pain can result in advanced bacterial infections, even more pain, and eventual tooth loss. For severe untreated tooth decay, a root canal may be the best course of treatment. If you are in pain or suspect you have untreated tooth decay, contact our Scottsdale, AZ dental office today for a complete evaluation and treatment recommendation.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment used to restore a badly decayed tooth or has become infected. Deep, untreated tooth decay can lead to irritation, inflammation, and bacterial infection. Root canals can also become necessary to treat a tooth that is damaged due to injury.

During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp of the tooth are removed. The inside of your tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent reinfection. While root canal treatment may seem uncomfortable and invasive, not performing this deep level of treatment can lead to an abscess and more serious remedies, including possible surgery.

The root canal procedure drills into your tooth and removes the affected nerve as it cleans the infection from your tooth. The good news is that the tooth nerve is not essential to eating and drinking or maintaining a healthy mouth. While root canal procedures have a reputation for being extremely painful, they are performed with anesthesia and are no more painful than filling a cavity. If you are concerned about your root canal procedure’s subsequent anxiety, Scottsdale Dental Solutions offers sedation dentistry options that can be discussed during your appointment.

Similar to filling a cavity, a root canal treatment involves minimal downtime. Your mouth will be numb for a couple of hours, and you may want to manage discomfort or soreness with over-the-counter pain medications.

What Are the Dangers of Not Treating an Infected Tooth?

When a tooth’s nerve becomes infected or damaged due to untreated decay, bacteria can begin to grow inside the tooth and cause pain and advanced disease. If a decayed tooth nerve is not treated quickly, an abscess can form, causing more extensive gum and jaw damage as well as affecting your overall physical health. An abscess can cause swelling in the face or neck, bone loss in your jaw, and drainage into other parts of your head or neck, leading to dangerous throat infections.

What Are the Signs That a Root Canal is Needed?

If you’re noticing tooth damage or decay symptoms, it is essential to visit your dentist immediately. Typical signs associated with the need for dental restoration, including a root canal, include sensitivity to heat or cold, sharp pain when chewing, chipped or cracked teeth, swollen gums, and darkened gums.

Root Canal Complications

New infections can occur even after a root canal procedure is performed. For this reason, post-procedure oral hygiene is more important than ever. If your tooth becomes reinfected, you may require more extensive surgery.