Does tooth pain have you feeling down? Have you been putting off coming to the dentist because you’re worried the treatment is going to be even more painful than whatever is going on? If you have a tooth infection, you could be causing even more damage by waiting to get help, so give us a call at River Vista Dentistry in Charlotte, NC and let Dr. Marshall treat your pain and get you back to living a full life.
What Causes Tooth Pain?
Sudden or severe tooth pain usually has a specific cause. Either the tooth has damage to it or there is an infection within the tooth. We can fix damage with a restoration like a crown, but an infection needs to be removed, usually with a root canal.
Signs you may have a tooth infection include:
- New onset of pain
- Pain that lingers and/or wakes you up at night
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swollen gums
- Sores on your gums (known as abscesses)
- Pain that radiates from a single tooth
You may be worried that the root canal itself is going to hurt. After all, they definitely have that reputation. But the pain you’re in from an infected tooth is worse than any discomfort you’ll feel during the root canal procedure. We make sure to numb the area before we start working, and for our anxious patients, we have sedation options to help keep you relaxed while we work. Visit our blog post to learn more about separating fact from fiction about pain and root canals.
The Root Canal Procedure
If you visit River Vista Dentistry with any of these symptoms, and we determine a root canal is the best treatment plan, you may think you need to see an endodontist next for the procedure. Actually, if you need a root canal, dentist Dr. Marshall can complete the procedure right here in our office!
Before we begin, we’ll take X-rays of your mouth to get a good look at the tooth that needs work. Once you’re in the dental chair, we’ll numb the immediate area thoroughly so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Dr. Marshall will drill into the tooth to clean out the infection from the root canals within the tooth, and then he’ll fill the canals with an antibiotic to keep out future infections. Finally, he’ll seal the root canals and place a filling in the tooth. If needed, we’ll top the tooth with a crown to give it extra protection and strength.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
We’ll be able to give you a cost estimate for your root canal surgery once we’ve had you in for a consultation. Like with all major treatments, we won’t begin work until we’ve gone over your estimate. We never want you to feel caught off-guard by the cost of treatment. When it comes to payments, our Charlotte, NC practice is very insurance friendly. We also accept payments through CareCreditSM and Comprehensive Finance. Our in-house membership plan is great for uninsured and underinsured patients. We’re always happy to go over your financial options with you to help you determine what’s best for your budget.
Why get a root canal instead of extraction?
Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is in the best interest of your oral health. If a tooth is suffering from an infection, root canal therapy is a better way to treat the tooth than immediately jumping to an extraction. Though root canal treatment is extensive, removing a dental infection instead of the tooth preserves the jaw bone, prevents tooth shifting, and reduces the risk of tooth loss. A root canal also offers faster recovery and saves you money in the long run!
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
While our root canal treatment eliminates the infection within your tooth, our team at River Vista Dentistry wants to protect your teeth for as long as possible. Once Dr. Marshall completes the root canal, your tooth likely will be topped with a dental crown for extra protection and strength. In some cases, a dental crown may not be necessary. When you visit our office for a consultation, our team will review your restoration options and discuss whether or not a dental crown is best for you.
What can I eat after a root canal?
While each experience will vary, eating after a root canal is generally possible for most patients! Dr. Marshall and our team will provide you with a list of foods and what to expect after root canal treatment. Ideas of what to eat after a root canal include:
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- Smoothies
- Pasta
Typically, it is best to wait until the local anesthetic has worn off to avoid biting your tongue or cheek. We also highly recommend sticking to these soft foods and avoiding very hot and cold foods or crunchy foods that may cause irritation or risk of damaging your new restoration.