Root canal therapy is a treatment dentists will use to save a natural tooth from extraction. Severely damaged teeth that are infected or decayed need the deep cleaning that a root canal provides to restore stability. Dr. Drew Shulman performs root canals at his Northeast Philadelphia dentist office with patients’ comfort in mind.
Many people may fear the pain of a root canal, but this very common general dental procedure is only as painful as a routine dental filling. Most patients will feel relief once the the treatment is over.
Signs that you need a root canal can include:
- Tooth pain
- Darkening tooth color
- Sensitive gum tissue
- Tooth sensitivity to temperature
Root Canal Treatment in Philadelphia
The physical root canal is the interior of the tooth where the pulp and nerves are located. When bacteria enters the pulp chamber, it will cause an infection and inflammation in the root canal. The patient will then need a root canal procedure. During root canal treatment, Dr. Shulman will numb the area with a local anesthetic. He will make a tiny hole in the back of the tooth where the infected pulp is removed.
Dr. Shulman will clean out the chamber and fill it with a bio-composite material to reseal the tooth. This rubber like substance is called gutta-percha. We will ensure that you are comfortable during the entire process, and can offer you dental sedation options to alleviate dental anxiety.
In most cases, we will recommend the placement of a dental crown to provide more strength and stability for the life of the natural tooth. You may receive a same-day crown, also known as a temporary crown, while you wait for a permanent custom crown. Dr. Shulman will place the permanent crown at a subsequent visit.
Root Canal FAQs
What does a root canal feel like?
A root canal is not a painful procedure. They are similar to dental fillings and are not any more painful than other procedures. We will use anesthesia to numb the area. This makes the procedure painless. Your mouth may feel numb for several hours after your root canal because of the anesthesia.
You can take over-the-counter pain medication if you feel temporary discomfort after your mouth regains sensation.
How long does it take to heal from a root canal?
A root canal is healed almost immediately after the procedure. You may feel mild sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, but this fades while your tooth gets used to the restorative treatment. Your tooth pain should immediately go away after a root canal procedure.
How long will my root canal last?
Your root canal should last you a lifetime! Most dentists will cap a root canal with a dental crown to permanently protect the tooth and hels prevent further cavities. You will not need follow-up root canal treatment. In very rare cases, the dental crown can fall out within a couple of days. Contact your dentist immediately if this happens. We will replace the crown as soon as possible.
How many visits does it take to do a root canal?
In most cases, it takes 2 visits to complete a root canal from start to finish. During the first appointment, dentists will create an opening so that they can access your root. In the second visit, your dentist will use the opening to clean out and remove any infected tissue from your root.
Is a root canal painful?
Root canals have a bad reputation for being a painful dental procedure. However, a root canal can actually help alleviate pain. The pain is from the pressure of the swelling and the infection that’s inside the tooth. The root canal removes this infected tissue, eliminating the pressure and pain the infection was causing.
Schedule A Preventative Dental Care Visit Near You
Are you noticing sudden or increasing tooth pain? Is a certain tooth becoming more susceptible to sensitivity from hot and cold foods? Call Dr. Shulman to get a professional dental exam and treatment recommendations today at (215) 372-1142.