Root Canal Treatment in Auburn, ME – Relieve Pain and Save Your Natural Tooth
Lingering sensitivity after eating or drinking something hot or cold? Sharp pain when biting or chewing? A persistent toothache is often a sign that infection has damaged the pulp inside your tooth. This can result from a deep crack or fracture, an injury, or extensive decay that has reached the inside of the tooth. Without treatment, the infection will continue to cause pain, can lead to an abscess, and in the worst cases may require the tooth to be extracted. At Taylor Brook Dental Associates, our experienced team provides gentle root canal therapy designed to comfortably eliminate tooth pain – not cause more – and save your natural tooth.
Book OnlineWhat Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure used to save a tooth when the nerve and pulp inside become infected or inflamed. Our dental team is trained and experienced in endodontic treatment, including root canals in Auburn, ME. During treatment, we remove the infected tissue to stop the pain, then thoroughly clean and seal the inside of the tooth so the infection can’t spread. Don’t let the stigma surrounding this procedure cause you anxiety or lead you to put off treatment – a root canal is often the best way to keep your natural tooth for years to come.
Root Canal Symptoms
A patient with an infected tooth will usually recognize that something is wrong. Common symptoms include:
- Severe, intense toothaches that won’t go away
- Lingering sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swollen, tender gums or lymph nodes
- Recurring pimple-like abscesses on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
Some infections cause no pain at all and are discovered on X-rays during a regular dental checkup, which is one more reason routine visits are so important. If you’re in severe pain or have facial swelling, contact us right away through our emergency dentistry services.
How Is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
Root canal treatment begins with digital X-rays to determine the extent of the damage. After the tooth is completely numbed, your dentist carefully accesses the inner structure of the tooth and removes the infected material. The canals are then cleaned and flushed with an antimicrobial solution to eliminate bacteria. Next, the tooth is filled with a medicated, biocompatible material that seals it and supports healing.
Generally, but not always, a dental crown is placed after the root canal is complete. Because a treated tooth can become more brittle, the crown protects it from fractures and restores full chewing strength. For smaller treated areas on front teeth, a tooth-colored filling may be enough.
Root Canal vs. Extraction
Saving your natural tooth is almost always the best option. Keeping the tooth preserves your bite, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and protects your jawbone. If a tooth is too damaged to be saved, a tooth extraction followed by a dental implant or bridge may be recommended.
How Long Does the Pain From a Root Canal Last?
There’s a common misconception that root canals are very painful. In truth, a root canal procedure usually feels no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. We use local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during and shortly after treatment, and sedation dentistry is available for anxious patients.
Some sensitivity and mild discomfort are common for a few days while the area around the tooth heals, as the gums can become slightly swollen or irritated. This discomfort typically fades as the tooth heals and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. After your treatment, we’ll give you special instructions for caring for your newly treated tooth.
Don’t wait for tooth pain to get worse. Call Taylor Brook Dental Associates at (207) 784-1577 to schedule an evaluation, and ask about our payment plan options.
Root Canal Treatment FAQs
Is a root canal painful?
No more than a typical filling. We thoroughly numb the tooth before we begin, and most patients feel immediate relief from the pain the infection was causing.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in one or two visits, each lasting about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth and the extent of the infection.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Usually, yes – especially for back teeth. A crown protects the treated tooth from cracking and restores its strength for chewing.
What happens if I don’t get a root canal?
The infection will continue to spread, causing more pain and possibly an abscess. Eventually, the tooth may need to be extracted, and the infection can affect your overall health.
Can I go to work after a root canal?
Most patients return to their normal activities the same day or the next day. If you receive sedation, plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
How long does a tooth last after a root canal?
With a proper restoration and good oral hygiene, a tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime.
What should I eat after a root canal?
Wait until the numbness wears off, then eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown or filling is placed.