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Root Canal Therapy – Worcester, MA

Restore Your Healthy, Pain-Free Smile

Model of tooth that needs root canal therapy in Worcester Do the words “root canal” send a shiver down your spine? While you’ve probably heard plenty of rumors about this common procedure being painful or ineffective, these misconceptions are far from the truth! In fact, modern root canal therapy in Worcester is designed to quickly relieve the pain of a severe toothache, prevent the spread of infection, and save teeth from extraction. Dr. Christy Savas can use this tooth-saving treatment to restore your healthy, pain-free smile in no time. If you are experiencing dental pain, don’t hesitate to call us to see if root canal therapy can get your oral health back on track.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Pained man needs root canal therapy in Worcester Root canal therapy is needed when the inside of a tooth (its pulp) becomes infected. This is usually the result of an untreated cavity or small crack in the enamel, which leaves the sensitive inner layers of the tooth vulnerable to bacteria. Not only are infected teeth painful, but they can be dangerous as well. The harmful oral bacteria can infect nearby teeth and even spread throughout the body. Eventually, your teeth may become so damaged that they need to be removed.

We’ll always do everything we can to preserve your teeth, which is one reason why we will likely recommend root canal therapy before an extraction whenever possible. Root canal therapy can relieve your pain just as quickly as a tooth extraction and requires a much shorter healing period. In addition, it saves as much natural tooth structure as possible, which keeps your jawbone healthy, makes it easier to chew and speak, and prevents the complications of a missing tooth.

Signs That You May Need Root Canal Therapy

Woman smiles at her Worcester dentist after treatment The only way to know for sure if you need root canal therapy is to come see us for an assessment. However, the most common warning signs to keep an eye out for include:

Intense or worsening toothache.
Sharp, stabbing pain when biting down.
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
Darkening or discoloration of the painful tooth.
Swollen, sore gums or a small, pimple-like bump near the painful tooth.

What Can I Expect from Root Canal Therapy?

Knowing what to expect from root canal therapy can help you feel more at-ease about your upcoming treatment. This common procedure is relatively straight-forward. In fact, most patients are happy to find that the entire process is similar to getting a large filling. If you are feeling particularly nervous about your procedure or have difficulty sitting in the same position for extended periods of time, Dr. Savas may recommend nitrous oxide sedation to help you feel as comfortable as possible.

When we’re ready to start your treatment, we’ll begin my completely numbing your mouth. During your root canal therapy, you may feel some pressure, but there shouldn’t be any discomfort. Then, your Worcester dentist Dr. Savas will make a small access hole in your tooth. He’ll remove all the infected or injured tissues and sanitize your tooth before filling it back up with a rubbery biocompatible material. Depending on your needs, the tooth may be capped or crowned for additional reinforcement.

If you have severe tooth pain and need immediate care, don’t wait to give us a call. We’ll give you step-by-step instructions for managing your symptoms until you can reach our office for an emergency appointment.

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Root Canal FAQs

Woman smiling while asking dentist in Worcester questions about root canal therapy The only way to know for sure if you need root canal therapy is to come see us for an assessment. However, the most common warning signs to keep an eye out for include:
Since root canal therapy is one of the most feared dental treatments, it’s natural to have lots of questions on your mind. From what to eat beforehand to what happens if you forgo treatment, we’re answering a few of the most common ones. That way, understanding the facets of this restorative service is as straightforward and stress-free as possible. As always, if you have a specific question on your mind, get in touch!

Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?

That depends! If you’re being sedated for the procedure, you may be asked to fast for an hour or two beforehand. If you aren’t being sedated, then eating the morning of will likely be more than okay. Just make sure it’s a healthy, well-balanced meal and that you brush your teeth thoroughly afterward. You should also avoid drinking alcohol and smoking leading up to the procedure.

Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?

Since antibiotics effectively treat bacterial infections in virtually every other part of your body, you may be wondering why you can’t use them to address an infection in your mouth. Basically, your bloodstream cannot reach the pulp of the tooth, which is where the diseased tissue lies. As a result, antibiotics aren’t the solution. The only option is to get a root canal in Worcester or a tooth extraction.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?

In short, the longer you wait, the worse the infection will become. Since your teeth cannot heal on their own, neglecting to seek treatment with your dentist in Worcester can lead to more costly and complex procedures, like tooth extractions. In fact, this ends up happening to many patients since they think the pain subsiding means the root of the problem has healed on its own. In reality, it means the infection has destroyed the tooth’s nerves. Plus, the harmful bacteria associated with dental problems can spread to your vital organs, like your heart and lungs, so it’s of the utmost importance that you don’t put off treatment.

Can Root Canals Be Prevented?

In most cases, yes! That’s why it’s vital to practice good oral hygiene habits. To start, make sure to brush for two full minutes after each meal (or at least twice a day), floss every day, and rinse with mouthwash regularly. Next, visit your dentist on a biannual basis for a checkup and cleaning. The best practices you implement extend beyond standard dental care as well, like eating a well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. On that note, you should also avoid unhealthy habits, like smoking, chewing on ice, and using your teeth as tools to open things.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

People often forget that pain isn’t the only symptom of a root canal. In fact, sometimes it’s not until their six-month checkup that patients even realize they need one – yet another reason your routine visits are so important! In short, even if it doesn’t feel like an urgent matter, you should schedule your treatment sooner rather than later. That way, the structure of your tooth can be restored before it becomes painful or has a chance to damage your gums.

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Root Canal Therapy