Root Canals – Wayland, MA
Your Healthy Smile Is Our Top Priority
Has a once dull toothache turned seriously painful? Or maybe a once throbbing toothache has gone radio silent. In both cases, root canal therapy in Wayland may be what’s needed to restore your smile. Don’t worry – despite the rumors, this treatment is virtually painless. In fact, it’s designed to alleviate discomfort, not cause it. If you’d like to learn more about this tooth-saving procedure, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team or read on!
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Of course, the best way to tell if you need root canal therapy is by scheduling an appointment with our skilled Wayland dentist. Until then, here are a few common symptoms associated with a badly decayed or damaged tooth:
- Severe tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
- Discomfort when you chew
- Swollen, irritated, or tender gums
- A pimple-like bump near the tooth
The moment you notice one or more of these symptoms, call our team. From there, we can pencil you in for an appointment as soon as possible. This will help prevent the infection from spreading and restore your pain-free smile sooner rather than later.
The Root Canal Process
In short, root canals salvage a tooth by removing an infected and damaged root nerve. The surgery involves gently removing the nerve and pulp to prevent damage to the surrounding teeth and gum. If you’re experiencing painful sensitivity in your tooth, an advanced infection has likely taken root in the inner pulp chamber and needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.
Infected pulp can be caused by a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental procedures. In order to rescue the tooth and avert extraction for younger patients’ teeth, we will likely recommend root canal therapy to remove diseased tissue and dangerous bacteria while leaving whatever pulp remains safely in place.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Root canal therapy is actually good news – it means your tooth can be saved! Plus, it:
- Stops bacteria from causing further damage to your teeth and gums
- Saves you from additional oral health problems
- Is more cost-effective than a tooth extraction and replacement
- Is a virtually painless treatment
If you or your child have suffered a traumatic dental injury and are experiencing severe toothaches or painful sensitivity, do not wait to schedule an appointment with one of our dental specialists today!
Root Canal FAQs
As one of the most feared procedures, it’s natural to have questions about root canal therapy in Wayland. Good news: we’re here to help! Any specific questions we’d be more than happy to answer at your appointment, of course. However, if you’d like to learn more general information about this tooth-saving treatment, read on for the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients.
Are Root Canals Painful?
One of the most common questions patients ask is, “Are root canals painful?” Thanks to powerful numbing agents, the process of getting a root canal is no more painful than a standard filling. In other words, you’ll be completely comfortable throughout the procedure! If you’re particularly nervous or have had trouble feeling numb in the past, then don’t hesitate to find out if sedation dentistry is right for you.
Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?
That depends! If you’re undergoing sedation, then you may be asked to fast to prevent nausea. If you aren’t undergoing sedation, then you should eat a healthy, well-balanced meal. Before leaving for your appointment, make sure to brush and floss thoroughly. It’s also worth mentioning that you should avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before your procedure.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
In short, the answer is “no.” That’s because antibiotics cannot reach the pulp of the tooth! Therefore, the only way to remove the infected tissue and restore your oral health is by getting a root canal.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
Waiting too long to get a root canal can result in a number of complications. To begin, the infection can progress, “killing” the nerve of your tooth in the process. After that, it can spread to other areas of your mouth and even travel to your vital organs via your bloodstream. So, you can see why it’s so important to schedule your procedure when your dentist near Wayland first recommends it!
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Dental damage, including cavities, is largely preventable with the right best practices in place. That starts with a commitment to a solid at-home oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. You should also visit your dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning (or sooner if any abnormal symptoms arise). Quitting unhealthy dental habits, drinking lots of water, and keeping your consumption of added sugar to a minimum are a few other ways you can help prevent tooth decay.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
While pain is a common symptom of severe decay or damage, it isn’t the only one. Other symptoms, like severely inflamed gums or a severe crack in your tooth, are just as large of warning signs. Plus, if you wait too long to get the treatment you need, the infection can “kill” the nerve of the tooth, alleviating your pain. This may sound like good news, but it’s actually a sign that the infection has progressed and will soon begin wreaking havoc on your surrounding teeth and gums. So, if your dentist recommends getting a root canal in Wayland, don’t put it off simply because your tooth doesn’t hurt.
