Root Canals Specialist

What are root canals?

Your tooth is made up of enamel — your outer shell, dentin — the more sensitive layer underneath, and the pulp — the innermost layer. A root canal is a common dental procedure that removes bacteria and dead tissue from the pulp or root of your tooth. 

When your tooth becomes susceptible to bacterial infection, your pulp can die, which increases blood flow, creating pressure within your tooth. 

If it goes untreated, not only can you experience severe acute pain, but you can suffer serious complications, such as tooth loss and bone degeneration. 

What are the signs of needing a root canal?

If you have an infected tooth, various symptoms include:

• Inflamed gums
• Pimple-like bump on your gum
• Pain in your tooth when eating or drinking
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Pus oozing around your tooth
• Bad breath
• Tooth discoloration

Call Signature Smile General & Cosmetic Dentistry right away if you experience any of these symptoms. A root canal can save your tooth.

How are root canals performed?

During your root canal procedure, Dr. Trogan gives you a local anesthetic to numb the targeted area, ensuring you don’t feel any pain. Next, she puts a small rubber dam around your tooth to protect it and keep it clean. She then creates a tiny hole in your tooth and removes the infection in the root.

Once the unhealthy pulp is removed, Dr. Trogan cleans the treated area with a natural polymer called gutta-percha. For the last step, she seals your tooth with a permanent or temporary filling, depending on whether you need a permanent crown placed.

Do root canals hurt?

Root canals used to have a bad reputation, but the advances in dental technology have put that perception to rest. The procedure doesn’t feel much different than having a cavity filled.

Dr. Trogan and her team have the expertise to perform root canals that don’t cause discomfort and only take about two hours from start to finish.

You might experience more tenderness and inflammation after your treatment, but this is normal. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help your side effects subside within a day or two.

If you have a tooth that might need a root canal, schedule an exam with Dr. Trogan today. Call the office or use the convenient online booking tool.