Root Canal Therapy – Savannah, GA

How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?

Unfortunately, the most common sign of needing a root canal is pain. This is typically caused by an infection inside of your tooth, which can cause inflammation as it grows in size. You should also be on the lookout for these other common symptoms of a root canal:

• A pimple-like sore near a painful tooth
• Swelling on the side of your face
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Discomfort when biting and chewing

Some patients who need root canals may not feel or see any of these symptoms. That’s one of the many reasons why routine dental checkups are necessary. Prolonged treatment of decay or infection will only need to more serious issues in the future.

How Does Root Canal Therapy Work?

After making sure that you’re numb and comfortable, Dr. Fana will remove any infected or decayed tissue from the inner portion of your tooth. After, he will fill it with a substance called gutta-percha, which expands inside of your tooth to support it. Then, your tooth is sealed, and you can leave our office with a healthy smile that is protected in the future.

The inner portion of your tooth is called dental pulp, which contains many pain-sensing nerves. That’s why it’s painful when this part of your tooth becomes infected. Thankfully, Dr. Fana is experienced in providing his patients with root canal therapy in Savannah to relieve their discomfort. While this service has a bad reputation, it is designed to relive patients of pain rather than put them in it.

What Happens After a Root Canal?

After the procedure is finished, Dr. Fana may give you a prescription for an antibiotic to ensure that your infection is gone completely. It’s normal to feel sensitivity during the first few days, so try to chew on the other side of your mouth and take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If your sensitivity doesn’t subside after a couple days, you could still have the infection and have to come back into our office. Additionally, depending on the size of your decay or infection, you may need to come back for a visit to restore your tooth with a custom-made dental crown. This will not only improve the aesthetics of your affected tooth, but it will also strengthen it for the future. If you have any questions or are experiencing tooth pain, call our dentist in Savannah today to request an appointment!

Root Canal Therapy FAQs

Even though they have a notorious reputation, root canals are faster, more comfortable, and more successful than ever before. In fact, most patients report that the procedure is no worse than getting a large filling! Below, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions we get about root canal therapy for your convenience. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

How Long Can I Wait to Get Root Canal Therapy?

It’s normal to feel a little anxious about getting a root canal, but we don’t recommend putting it off any longer than you have to. Root canals are typically the last treatment left before a tooth extraction is needed. If the tooth is infected, leaving it untreated will only allow the infection to get worse and potentially spread throughout your mouth. What’s more, dangerous bacteria can begin to attack your jawbone and potentially even spread to other parts of your body. Instead of putting your smile and health at risk, get a root canal as soon as you can.

If My Tooth Isn’t Painful, Why Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

While pain is the most common tell-tale sign that a tooth needs to be treated with root canal therapy, it isn’t always present. Sometimes, while the infection is present and threatens to cause serious damage, it may not be strong enough to cause noticeable pain. On the other hand, a particularly bad infection may have destroyed the nerve of your tooth, so it doesn’t feel anything. Remember, your dentist will only recommend a root canal to treat a serious issue that could permanently damage your smile.

Can Pregnant Women Get Root Canal Therapy?

If you need a root canal while you’re pregnant, there’s no reason to wait until after your baby is born. While it’s best to have any dental work completed before your third trimester, health experts report that a root canal can be safely performed during any stage of pregnancy. Studies show that when administered by a highly trained professional like Dr. Fana, X-rays, local anesthetic, and pain medication are completely safe for both the mother and baby.

I’m In Pain, But I’m Scared of the Dentist—What Should I Do?

If you suffer from dental phobia or struggle with anxiety during your normal dental appointments, it may be extremely difficult for you to seek the care you need. At Compass Dental, your comfort is our top priority. Our dental team is dedicated to helping every patient feel as relaxed and confident as possible. However, we know this isn’t always enough, which is why we offer several sedation dentistry options. With the help of nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedation, we can ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible while we care for your smile.

Is Getting a Tooth Extraction Easier Than Root Canal Therapy?

Some patients tend to think that removing a problematic tooth altogether is easier than treating it with root canal therapy. Nothing compares to your natural teeth, which is why we do everything we can to preserve as much of your tooth structure as possible when treating your smile. Removing a tooth may eliminate the underlying issue, but a gap in your smile can lead to misaligned teeth, jawbone loss, and an increased risk of oral health issues. Repairing your tooth with a root canal is almost always a better option for your smile in both the short and long term.