A painful or damaged tooth does not always need to be removed. In many cases, gentle root canal therapy can eliminate infection or inflammation inside the tooth while allowing you to keep your natural tooth.
At Glendale Dental Associates, we provide root canal therapy with a focus on precision, comfort, and preserving your natural smile whenever possible. Our experienced team uses advanced technology, including operating microscopes and digital imaging, to help us carefully evaluate and treat the affected tooth.
If you are experiencing a persistent toothache, sensitivity, swelling, or another concerning dental symptom, we offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible so you can receive timely evaluation and relief.
What Is a Root Canal?
Inside every tooth is a soft area called the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If decay, a crack, trauma, or another problem allows bacteria to reach this area, the pulp can become inflamed or infected.
A root canal removes the affected pulp from inside the tooth. The space is then carefully cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to help prevent reinfection. The tooth can then be restored, often with a dental crown, to protect it and return it to normal function.
The goal of root canal therapy is to save your natural tooth whenever possible.
When Might You Need a Root Canal?
Your dentist may recommend root canal treatment if the pulp inside a tooth has become infected or significantly inflamed. Common causes include:
- Deep tooth decay
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- Significant dental trauma
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
- An infection or abscess
- Damage to the tooth’s internal nerve tissue
Symptoms can vary, and some infected teeth may not cause noticeable pain. However, possible signs that you may need a root canal include:
- Persistent or severe tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling or tenderness around the tooth
- A recurring bump on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact our office for an evaluation.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Before treatment, our team will carefully examine the affected tooth and use modern diagnostic technology to determine the source of the problem. During root canal treatment, we’ll:
- Carefully access the inside of the affected tooth.
- Remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue.
- Clean and disinfect the internal canals.
- Shape and prepare the canals for filling.
- Fill and seal the treated canals.
- Fully restore the tooth.
Depending on the condition of the tooth, a dental crown may be recommended following root canal treatment to provide additional strength and protection.
What Can I Expect From My Root Canal?
The idea of a root canal can make some patients nervous, but modern techniques and anesthesia allow treatment to be performed comfortably for most patients. Our team takes the time to explain what will happen before treatment begins and works to make your appointment as comfortable as possible. If you experience dental anxiety, we also offer laughing gas sedation for appropriate patients.
Our private operatories also provide an additional level of comfort and privacy during your treatment.
Root Canal or Tooth Extraction?
When a tooth is severely damaged or infected, patients sometimes assume extraction is the only option. When a tooth can be predictably saved, however, preserving your natural tooth is often preferable.
Root canal therapy allows us to remove the infection from inside the tooth while keeping the natural tooth in place. Depending on your individual situation, this may help you avoid the need for tooth replacement. If a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be recommended. In that situation, our team can also discuss replacement options, including dental implants and bridges.
Schedule Your Root Canal for Experienced, Personalized Care
Glendale Dental Associates has been serving the Indianapolis community for more than 20 years. We believe that even when treatment is urgent, quality care should never feel rushed.
Our private operatories, advanced technology, operating microscopes, and experienced team allow us to provide thoughtful, precise dental care in a comfortable environment. We also complete much of our dental treatment in-house and refer patients to specialists when a case requires care beyond what we can appropriately provide.
Experiencing tooth pain? Contact Glendale Dental Associates in Indianapolis today to schedule an evaluation or ask about a same-day emergency appointment.
