Do you have a painful toothache? Do you know or suspect that you need root canal therapy? We know that the name can make people afraid, but the truth is that the way we do root canal therapy, it’s more of a pain relief than a source of pain. Root canal therapy can not only save your tooth–it can save your life. So if you have an infected tooth, don’t wait, get treatment today.
If you need or think you might need root canal therapy in the Rancho Mirage area, please call 760.832.7915 today for an appointment with restorative dentist Dr. Rod Strober at Country Club Dentistry.
Symptoms of an Infected Tooth
How do you know if you have an infected tooth (also called an abscessed tooth)? There are many common symptoms that can warn you, including:
- Severe toothache
- Tooth sensitivity to pressure, temperature or sweets
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Tooth that turns discolored
- A pimple-like sore on the gums
- Localized warmth
- Fever
Many people assume that an infected tooth is mostly related to pain, but not everyone gets a toothache from their infected tooth. Sometimes the infected tooth drains so that the living nerve is never under the type of pressure that causes pain. Other times, pain might only be related to certain stimuli. Don’t assume you don’t have an infected tooth just because it doesn’t hurt.
When bacteria develop inside a tooth, they create an excess of sulfur compounds, which smell bad. You might notice this as a bad taste in your mouth, or others might complain about your bad breath. The infected tooth might also turn dark because of the bacteria growing inside it or bleeding of the pulp.
Infection can spread from tooth to your jawbone, which creates a pimple-like sore on the bone and/or gums. This sore can burst and ooze. You might also notice warmth in the area of the infection because of the growing bacteria or the body’s immune response.
If you experience fever linked to your tooth, see a doctor or dentist immediately.
Why Does A Root Canal Have A Bad Reputation?
Root canal therapy was first used before we had reliable dental anesthesia. It can involve removing some living nerve from the tooth. Without anesthesia, this was painful, but now people experience little, if any, discomfort.
Treat An Infected Tooth With Antibiotics?
Antibiotics aren’t effective on an infected tooth because there’s not enough blood supply to bring it to the tooth. Even if the antibiotics work, the tooth is also prone to get infected again.
Root Canal Therapy Can Save Your Life
If you have an infected tooth, it can turn into a deadly situation. Bacteria growing in your tooth can spread from there to other parts of the body. Deadly infections in the brain, blood, or lungs have developed from tooth infections. Even if you don’t develop a deadly acute infection, infected teeth can increase your risk of heart disease.
So if you have been diagnosed with an infected tooth or suspect you might have one, take it seriously and see a dentist as soon as possible. Treat a related fever as an emergency.
Root Canal vs. Dental Implants
If you have an infected tooth, you might consider just pulling it and replacing it with a dental implant. Both procedures have a high success rate, and create a long-lasting functional result.
Root canal therapy is better in some situations because:
- Your natural tooth is better than an implant
- You retain the option of getting an implant later
However, we might recommend an implant if the infected tooth is badly damaged or the infection is so serious that we must extract the tooth immediately to save your life.
The Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure saves a severely damaged or infected tooth, restoring its function while alleviating pain. Here's what you can typically expect during the process:
- Diagnosis and Preparation: The procedure begins with a thorough examination with X-rays to assess the extent of damage and infection. Once confirmed, Dr. Strober administers a local anesthetic to make sure you are comfortable and pain-free during the treatment.
- Creating Access to the Root: Dr. Strober will make a tiny opening in the tooth's crown. This opening allows him to access the infected or inflamed pulp, the soft tissue in the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.
- Cleaning and Shaping the Canals: With specialized tools, he carefully cleans out the infected pulp, bacteria, and debris from the root canals. Once cleaned, he shapes and disinfects the canals to prevent further infection.
- Filling and Sealing: After cleaning, he fills the empty canals with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, which helps seal the canals and prevent future bacterial contamination. The opening in the tooth is sealed until a permanent restoration is ready.
- Final Restoration: To protect and strengthen the treated tooth, a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, is often recommended. This restoration restores the tooth's function and improves its appearance and durability.
Aftercare and Recovery
Most patients recover within a few days, but some mild discomfort may persist temporarily as the area heals.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and good oral hygiene are typically enough to promote a smooth recovery. Stick to soft foods like soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods. Dr. Strober will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up visits to check healing progress.
Why Choose Country Club Dentistry for a Root Canal
When you need root canal therapy, trust Country Club Dentistry to provide expert care in a comfortable, state-of-the-art setting. Led by Dr. Rod Strober, a highly experienced dentist with nearly 30 years of practice in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, our team is dedicated to personalized, patient-centered treatment. Dr. Strober's extensive training, gentle approach, and reputation for excellence ensure you receive the highest standard of care with minimal discomfort. His commitment to precision and detail allows him to perform root canal therapy accurately and efficiently, helping save natural teeth and restore oral health.
At Country Club Dentistry, we utilize state-of-the-art technology to make treatments as smooth and seamless as possible. Our advanced tools enable precise diagnosis and treatment planning for better outcomes. We understand that root canals can cause anxiety, which is why we prioritize creating a relaxing environment. Dr. Strober's compassionate approach and advanced pain management techniques help you feel supported and cared for throughout your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes root canal infections?
Common causes include untreated cavities, cracked teeth, gum disease, and trauma.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
Most root canals can be completed in one or two visits, typically lasting 60-90 minutes per session.
How should I prepare for a root canal?
Follow your dentist’s instructions, which may include eating a light meal beforehand and discussing any medical conditions or medications.
Root Canal Therapy in Coachella Valley
If you are looking for a dentist who can perform root canal therapy in Coachella Valley, please call 760.832.7915 today for an appointment with Dr. Rod Strober at Country Club Dentistry in Rancho Mirage.