If the nerves around the roots of your teeth have become damaged, our dentist may recommend root canal therapy to help heal and restore your teeth. Sandy Springs Cosmetic & General Dentistry prides itself on its excellent care and strives to ensure your smile gets the most out of every treatment. Call us today at 404-252-1216 to learn more about root canals in Atlanta, Georgia, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria Benefield. We also provide additional general dentistry services to new and existing patients in Atlanta.
When Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal in our Atlanta, GA, office becomes necessary when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen for many reasons. The common signs that you need a root canal include:
Persistent Pain
One of the biggest signs you might need a root canal is constant, severe tooth pain. This pain can feel like a throbbing or sharp ache, especially when you’re chewing or putting pressure on the tooth. It may come and go, or it could stick around all the time. Sometimes, it’s so intense that it can keep you awake at night or doesn’t go away even after taking over-the-counter pain medicine.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Do you feel a sharp, lingering pain when you eat or drink something hot or cold, like coffee or ice cream? If the pain lasts for a long time after removing the hot or cold item, it could be a sign of pulp damage. This type of sensitivity is more intense than the quick, mild discomfort some people feel with cold foods—it’s often severe and long-lasting.
Swollen Gums
Swelling around the gums near a painful tooth can also be a sign of infection. Your gums may look red, puffy, and feel tender to the touch. Sometimes, you might even notice a small pimple-like bump on the gums. This bump could leak pus, which means there’s an infection that has spread to the root of your tooth.
Tooth Discoloration
If one of your teeth has become darker or discolored compared to the others, it might be a sign of pulp damage. This happens because the tooth isn’t getting enough blood flow, often due to an infection or injury. Unlike regular stains that affect all your teeth, this discoloration usually affects just one tooth.
The Root Canal Procedure in Atlanta, GA
Commonly called a root canal, root canal treatment is a type of endodontic therapy that is often recommended if the tooth pulp and nerves become infected or damaged. This may occur if injury or decay reaches deep into the tooth, past the outer enamel layer. When left untreated, this type of infection and disease may cause the tooth to die and necessitate tooth extraction.
To restore the tooth’s health and avoid the need for extraction, our skilled dentist will remove the infected and injured tissues from within the tooth, clean the tooth, and fill it with a medicated material. We will then cap the tooth with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to return the tooth to its original shape and structure. In most cases, a root canal can be completed in only one or two comfortable visits to our office.
Root canal treatment has a reputation for being a painful treatment. In reality, however, root canal treatment can often be completed with minimal discomfort thanks to advanced techniques, tools, and anesthesia. Our dentist and entire team work hard to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable experience each time you visit our office.
Do I Need a Crown?
In many cases, yes, you will need a crown after a root canal. A root canal can make your tooth weaker and more fragile because the dentist removes the infected or damaged tissue inside the tooth. A crown helps protect the tooth, making it strong enough to handle chewing and everyday use.
If the tooth is in the back of your mouth, like a molar, we will recommend a crown because these teeth do most of the chewing. For front teeth, a crown may not be needed if the tooth is still strong, but our dentist will decide based on your situation.
We create custom crowns from tooth-colored materials so they look natural.
Root Canal Aftercare
After a root canal, take good care of your mouth to help it heal. First, don’t eat until the numbness from the anesthesia is gone. This prevents you from accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, or mashed potatoes for the first few days. Stay away from hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the tooth.
Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the root canal was done. If you have pain or swelling, take over-the-counter pain relievers. Brush and floss gently, but avoid the treated area for the first day or two. After that, clean it carefully to keep it free of bacteria.
Can I go to school or work after a root canal?
Yes, you can go to school or work, but it depends on how you feel. If you’re not in much pain and feel fine, you can go back to your normal activities.
Some people feel tired or sore after a root canal. If that’s the case, take it easy for the rest of the day. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. If the pain is bad, call our dentist.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
A root canal might sound scary, but it doesn’t usually hurt. Before the procedure, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel pain. During the root canal, you might feel some pressure, but you shouldn’t feel any sharp pain.
Afterward, your tooth might feel sore for a few days, but this is normal. We will recommend that you take pain medication as you heal. Most people feel much better after the treatment and don’t experience pain anymore. Root canals actually remove the source of your tooth pain for a healthier and more comfortable bite.
Treat Tooth Pain Today
Relieve toothaches and remove infection with root canal treatment in Atlanta, GA. Call 470-999-6489 or schedule an appointment online. Let us know if you have more questions about root canals. We will be happy to help.