Roughly 1 in 10 people will have a root canal at some point in their lifetime, which makes it a fairly common dental procedure. However, determining if you need a root canal as opposed to other treatments (like a root canal vs. extraction) is not always a simple endeavor.
Your trusted endodontist in Cupertino and the Bay Area, like the team at Pannu Dental Group, can guide you through all your options for exceptional oral health, including a root canal. But in the meantime, it is helpful to know the signs and symptoms and what to expect when it comes to knowing if you need a root canal.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment for the innermost layer of your teeth, also known as tooth pulp. Roughly 15 million root canals are performed in the United States every year, making them a very common and safe procedure.
How Do You Know if You Need a Root Canal?
The first sign of any tooth issue is a toothache. However, let’s explore other clear signs that you need a root canal.
- Tooth pain – If you have frequent tooth pain that spreads to your other teeth, jaw, or face, this may be a sign of a growing infection, and a dentist appointment is needed ASAP.
- Pain with pressure- If your tooth starts to hurt when pressure is applied, like when you push on it or eat certain, harder foods, you may need a root canal.
- Pimples or small bumps on your gums – If you notice small pimples or boils on your gums (especially bumps that ooze), you may need a root canal.
- Swollen gums – Swollen gums can also be a sign of an infected tooth, especially if they feel tender to the touch.
- Discoloration – An infection in your tooth pulp keeps blood from getting to your tooth, which can result in discoloration. So, it’s important to watch for one or more teeth that may be darker than your other teeth.
- A loose tooth – Pus from an infection in the tooth pulp can cause damage and soften the bones that support the tooth structure, which makes your tooth or teeth feel looser.
How Long Do Root Canals Take? Understanding the Root Canal Procedure
Before the root canal procedure, your dentist will confirm a root canal is needed by taking dental X-rays. They may also do other tests to confirm if tooth pulp is dead, infected, or inflamed, such as the following:
- An electric pulp test (or EPT).
- Gently applying pressure to the tooth or using a hot or cold substance to gauge tooth sensitivity.
- A detailed and thorough examination is performed for other signs, like swelling in the gums and the jawbone.
During the root canal procedure, your dentist or endodontist will apply anesthesia to numb both the infected tooth and nearby gums to ensure the process is as pain- free as possible.
Next, they will drill a tiny hole in the tooth to remove the infected tooth pulp. Once removed, the pulp chamber will be cleaned and disinfected to prevent further infection, and the tiny hole will be permanently filled and sealed to ensure no bacteria enter the tooth.
As the final step, your dentist or endodontist will apply a dental crown (also known as a root canal crown) on the treated tooth to help protect your teeth and restore your bite.
The root canal procedure is fast and can be conducted in one office visit, although additional appointments may be required to prepare and place the final dental crown.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Root canals are generally pain-free, thanks to strategic anesthesia that numbs the teeth, gums, and jaw almost immediately. Some numbness or soreness may last for a couple of days after the procedure, but this is generally no more painful than getting a cavity filling.
For people who are a little nervous about a trip to the dentist, it’s important to note that, in the long run, having a root canal can prevent further infection, damage, and increasing pain down the road. Ignoring the signs of a root canal can be dangerous and much more painful or complicated than the streamlined root canal procedure itself.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
A root canal is generally inexpensive, but the cost depends on several factors, including the tooth being treated and the severity of the infection. Keep in mind that dental insurance can also help with the cost of a root canal, and your endodontist in Sunnyvale can work with you to ensure that your necessary dental treatments work within your budget and your everyday life.
How Do I Find a Root Canal Specialist or Endodontist Near Me?
The key to having a successful and pain-free root canal procedure is to partner with an expert who has access to the most advanced dental treatments and focuses on your comfort and unique oral health needs every step of the way.
This is where Pannu Dental Group excels.
Reach out to our trusted and experienced team of dental specialists. We will ensure that your root canal procedure – or whatever dental treatment best suits your oral health needs – exceeds expectations when it comes to a brighter smile and exceptional oral health.
We operate six dental offices throughout the Bay Area, from Sunnyvale to San Jose, CA, where our expert endodontists provide precise root canal treatments.
Schedule your appointment today!
Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu has been a practicing dentist since 1995. In 1996 he opened his first dental practice in India, where he gained invaluable experience and acumen. In October of 1997 he was invited by the American Dental Association (ADA) to present the table clinic on Endodontics, at their annual session held in Washington, D.C. At this time he fell in love with the United States and became passionate about practicing dentistry in California. He became particularly enamored of the San Francisco Bay area, and soon took up residence and work here.