Advanced Family Dentistry for all your Root Canal Needs
When it comes to dental services, many can be planned, but there are also times when you need emergency care. You may have gone in for a cleaning and some x-rays and left with a root canal. Talk about a change of plans! Why can this happen sometimes? Let’s take a look.
What is a root canal?
Before we can talk about emergency root canals, we need to first understand what a root canal is. A root canal requires the dentist to remove the damaged area of the tooth and then clean and disinfect the area. It gets the name root canal because a root canal dentist needs to clean out the canals inside of the tooth’s root. Dentists tend to opt for a root canal rather than pulling the tooth if it can be saved so that your natural smile is preserved.
How do I know I need a root canal?
If you have x-rays as part of your routine dental cleaning or are visiting the dentist because you feel pain and end up getting an x-ray, it will identify the tooth decay and show where treatment is needed. Many times the x-ray confirms what you may already know…there’s something wrong with your tooth. You may notice the following red flags that could indicate that you’re on the path for a root canal:
· Severe toothache during or after chewing
· Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
· Discoloration of the tooth
Many times the dentist will identify the problem and schedule the root canal for a future date. But there are times when he or she may decide it needs to be done right away. You may be a candidate for an emergency root canal if you have the above symptoms as well as tender or swollen gums or a small bump near the source of the pain.
Whether you get a root canal done as an emergency service or one that is scheduled, after a few weeks, a permanent crown will typically be placed on top of the tooth.
Contact Us!
When you are looking for a root canal dentist, look no further than Advanced Family Dentistry in Wasilla, Alaska. Dr. Lowrie and his highly skilled dental team are here to serve all your needs. We provide a host of dental services from fillings to crowns and even dentures. Call us today at 907-357-5018 to schedule an appointment. We are open Saturdays for your convenience! Our office is located at 1401 S Seward Meridian Pkwy, Suite E in Wasilla. We look forward to meeting you!