A root canal is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the pulp, which is the soft center of the tooth. Root canal therapy is the ideal treatment option when oral bacteria infect the soft center of your tooth. This problem is usually triggered when a dental cavity is left unchecked for an extended period. Here, we will discuss all you need to know about Temecula root canals.

What Signs Indicate You Need A Root Canal?

As mentioned earlier, a root canal procedure occurs when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected, injured, or inflamed. Removing infected or injured pulp is usually the most recommended method to help preserve your tooth’s natural structure. Below are some of the common signs that may require you to have a root canal:

• Swollen jaw. Your jaw may become swollen if the pus is not drained from the infected tooth site.
• Swollen gums. Pus formed by an infected tooth can result in swollen, tender, or puffy gums.
• Sensitivity to cold and heat. If your tooth hurts when you drink hot or cold substances, it may indicate you need root canal treatment.
• Loose tooth.  An infection tends to feel looser because of the pus from the infected pulp that softens your jaw bone.
• Abnormal tooth pain. If you have pain in your tooth that radiates to your face or jaw, it may suggest you need root canal treatments.
• Pimple on the gums. Pus from the infected tooth may lead to the growth of a boil or pimple on the gums.
• Pain when pressure is applied. If you experience pain when eating or touching, your tooth could suggest that nerves around your pulp are damaged.
• Tooth discoloration. When the pulp of your tooth becomes infected, it can lead to tooth discoloration due to the inadequate blood supply to your tooth.
• A cracked or chipped tooth. If you have a chipped or cracked tooth after an accident, biting down on something hard or playing sports can cause bacteria to reach the tooth pulp.

How is a root canal performed?

Root canal procedures are usually performed in the dentist’s office or clinic. When you arrive for your first treatment, you will be escorted to a treatment room and be given a bib to wear to protect your clothes from stains. Your dentist will then place a numbing agent on your gum near the affected tooth. You will also be injected with a local anesthetic into your gums to make your tooth numb. A small opening will be made on the top of your tooth to expose the damaged or infected pulp. Your endodontist will remove the diseased pulp using special medical tools and clean out all the canals in your tooth. After the damaged pulp is removed, the dentist will coat the site with a topical antibiotic to eliminate any infection and prevent re-infection. The root canal procedure will end after your dentist fills the small opening in the top of the tooth with a soft material.

At Sunshine Dental, we strive to provide the residents living in and around Temecula with comprehensive oral health care. Led by Phillip Chien, DDS, and the highly-skilled team of medical experts, we ensure all our patients receive high-quality oral health care and have access to some of the state-of-the-art dental treatments such as laser bacteria reduction. Get started today and book an appointment online or call us today.