When it comes to saving a damaged or infected tooth, a root canal is often the best option. At Salinas Smiles Dental Group, we specialize in providing pain-free root canal treatments that eliminate discomfort and restore your oral health. Our experienced team is dedicated to making the procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible, ensuring that you leave our office pain-free and with your natural tooth intact.

What is a Root Canal? A root canal is a dental procedure designed to treat infection or damage within the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth). If left untreated, an infected or damaged pulp can lead to severe pain, abscess formation, and even tooth loss. During a root canal, the infected or damaged tissue is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and then the tooth is sealed to prevent future infections.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal:

• Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent pain that worsens when chewing or applying pressure.
• Prolonged Sensitivity: Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even after the stimulus is removed.
• Swollen Gums: Swelling, tenderness, or a bump on the gums near the affected tooth.
• Darkening of the Tooth: A tooth that becomes discolored due to infection or trauma.
• Abscess Formation: Pus-filled pockets near the tooth root, indicating infection.

The Root Canal Procedure: What to Expect Our priority is to make your root canal experience as smooth and painless as possible. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

1. Consultation and X-Rays: We begin with a thorough examination and X-rays to assess the condition of your tooth and determine the extent of the infection or damage.
2. Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort, we administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
3. Removing the Infected Tissue: Using specialized tools, we carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from the inside of your tooth.
4. Cleaning and Sealing: After removing the pulp, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a biocompatible material. The tooth is then sealed to prevent future infections.
5. Restoring the Tooth: In most cases, a crown is placed on the tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance.

Aftercare and Recovery: Following a root canal, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage any discomfort. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by our team. Regular check-ups will ensure your tooth remains healthy and functional.

Benefits of a Root Canal:

• Pain Relief: A root canal eliminates the source of pain and infection.
• Tooth Preservation: The procedure saves your natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction and replacement.
• Restored Function: After the root canal and crown placement, your tooth will function like any other healthy tooth.
• Improved Oral Health: Treating the infection prevents it from spreading to other parts of your mouth or body.

Why Choose Salinas Smiles Dental Group? At Salinas Smiles Dental Group, we use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure that your root canal is as comfortable and effective as possible. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery. We’re committed to preserving your natural teeth and maintaining your beautiful smile.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or suspect you may need a root canal, don’t wait. Contact us or book your appointment online with Salinas Smiles Dental Group today. Let us help you restore your smile and eliminate your pain.