Root Canal Therapy in Nampa, ID
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Two major culprits of severe tooth pain are tooth decay and infection. If an infection has taken hold of your tooth and spread into the roots, it’s likely you’ll need a root canal.
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a common procedure used by dentists to save millions of teeth annually. While getting a root canal may have a reputation as a painful procedure, the entire process has become much easier and more comfortable thanks to our advanced technology and innovative techniques.
Symptoms of an Infected Root Canal
Several symptoms could indicate that your root canal or tooth has become severely infected. If any of these symptoms match your experience, seek treatment immediately:
- Extreme tooth pain
- Toothache that impacts the jaw, ears, or neck
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks
- Swelling of the face
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Sensitivity when biting or chewing
The Root Canal Process
Getting a root canal typically requires just two appointments at Premier Dental Care. The first will be when the actual operation occurs, and the second is to simply place your protective dental crown. Dr. Bingham may ask that you come in for additional appointments depending on the extent of your infection.
Preparing the Area
Before the procedure begins, Dr. Bingham will apply a local anesthetic to the affected tooth and surrounding area to ensure you feel no pain. The doctor will also take digital impressions of your tooth and the entire mouth. These high-quality images will be sent to a special lab to create your customized dental crown.
Clearing the Infection
Once the area has been numbed, Dr. Bingham will begin by making a small hole in the tooth using expert precision. He’ll gently remove the infected pulp and tissue from the root. Dr. Bingham will then clean and sterilize the area to ensure there’s no chance of reinfection before filling the tooth. After the tooth has been disinfected, the doctor will apply a temporary sealant to protect the tooth until your next appointment.
Installing a Natural Restoration
This step is typically done during a second visit once your dental crown is ready. Dr. Bingham will remove the temporary seal on your tooth and place your custom-made, permanent crown to keep the tooth safe and stable.
Your restoration is designed to match your natural teeth’ shape, size, and color to blend seamlessly into your smile. In addition, this sealant is extremely durable and will allow you to function without pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful?
Root canal therapy used to be an unpleasant experience, but thanks to modern revolutionary advancements, the procedure is more comfortable than ever before. Dental techniques and technology have developed, making the overall experience much like a cavity filling.
Dr. Bingham will also apply an anesthetic to numb your affected area, so you won’t feel a thing during the procedure.
How long do root canals last?
A root canal can last a lifetime. While reinfection can happen, it only occurs when there’s still infected tissue in the tooth after treatment—the goal of root canal therapy is to remove any natural pulp that may be infected.
Though your tooth is sterilized, the surrounding teeth can still become infected, so it’s important to keep up a good daily oral hygiene routine. Brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular appointments at our Nampa, ID office can help ward off future infections.
Can root canal therapy cause headaches?
A severely infected tooth can induce serious toothaches. A symptom of this can progress into an intense generalized headache. Dental problems often cause cranial pain but are usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen.
If you still have a headache after receiving root canal treatment, we recommend you call your general care physician immediately.
Dr. Bingham Can Relieve Your Pain
If you are experiencing severe dental pain due to infection or damage to your teeth, a root canal treatment may be your best option. At Premier Dental Care, Dr. Joel R. Bingham works with care to restore the health and comfort of your smile.
To learn more about root canal therapy, simply contact a member of our team by calling us at (208) 466-6161. We proudly serve patients in Nampa, Idaho and surrounding areas.