An infection can occur anywhere on the body, and unfortunately, your teeth are no exemption.
While root canal treatment sounds complex, it is actually the simple process of removing bacteria and infection from the internal canals inside your tooth. This treatment allows you to feel relief from the pain and swelling that often accompanies a root canal infection.
How Root Canal Treatment Works
Typically when a patient calls in with a dental emergency involving pain, an infection in the root canal is one of the first suspects. An infection can also result in swelling, sensitivity, and discoloration.
When you arrive at our St. Paul dental office, we will evaluate the need for a root canal by taking an x-ray of the tooth and performing some other tests to determine its health and the right way to treat it.
Often, x-rays reveal an infection because the area near the root of your tooth appears dark.
Once Dr. O’Neill confirms that you need a root canal, he will numb your tooth completely. Dr. O’Neill uses an innovative numbing technique that many dentists are not even aware of. It is called onset buffered anesthetic that takes into account the body’s pH level to ensure the full benefit of anesthetic. Even patients who have had a hard time getting numb find this method effective. You can count on comfortable care with us!
Next, Dr. O’Neill will make a small hole in your tooth in order to clean out the infection. This release of pressure and the medication he applies often makes patients feel markedly better quickly.
After addressing the infection, Dr. O’Neill will place a temporary restoration to seal the hole in your tooth. We will usually place a permanent restoration, often a dental crown, later to stabilize and protect the tooth.
If you suspect you need a root canal and you live in the St. Paul area, just give us a call! We treat dental emergencies fast – usually on the same day.