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Root Canals services offered in Indianapolis, IN
Root canals have a bad reputation for being painful, but they’re tooth-saving procedures that actually alleviate pain. At Affordable Dental East in Indianapolis, Indiana, Ben Mohrman, DDS, provides expert root canal treatment to preserve the structure of an infected tooth. Call the office today if you have symptoms that suggest you need a root canal or use the online tool to book an appointment.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure that cleans infection out of the pulp deep inside your tooth enamel. The pulp is made up of blood vessels and nerves. When your teeth are developing, the pulp is important to growth; once your tooth matures, the pulp is unnecessary to its integrity.
During a root canal, Dr. Mohrman makes a small hole in the affected tooth and cleans out the infected pulp. He fills the tooth with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, leaving the main structure and root of your tooth intact.
Dr. Mohrman finishes the root canal procedure by placing a dental crown atop the treated tooth. This porcelain “cap” protects the natural tooth and keeps it from getting damaged or experiencing a further infection.
What symptoms suggest I need a root canal?
Infected tooth pulp doesn’t always cause symptoms. Dr. Mohrman may notice the infection on an X-ray taken during a routine dental exam.
Usually, however, symptoms suggest you need a root canal. These include:
- Severe pain in the affected tooth
- Abscess or pus drainage
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling in the cheek or gum
- Soreness when you’re chewing or pressing on the tooth
- Tooth discoloration
Don’t delay treatment if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. The earlier you seek treatment, the earlier you can find pain relief. A timely root canal by Dr. Mohrman can more effectively prevent the infection from spreading.
Is a root canal painful?
A root canal isn’t painful because it’s performed using a local anesthetic. The symptoms that cause you to need a root canal can be extremely painful, however.
Following your treatment, you may have some soreness and tooth sensitivity in the affected tooth for a few days. This reaction is normal, and the side effects subside relatively quickly. Over-the-counter pain medications help.
If the pain persists for more than a week after your procedure, call Affordable Dental East. Dr. Mohrman can check to see if the root canal treatment caused any complications.
If you have symptoms that suggest you need a root canal, contact Affordable Dental East right away. Use this website to book a consultation online or call the office to set up your appointment.