Root Canal Treatment
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Joshua R. Opperman, DMD
Dentist located in Portland, OR
Root canals aren't fun, but there's no need to worry. Thankfully, the expert dental team at Joshua R. Opperman, DMD Family Dentistry removes all the anxiety and discomfort from a root canal procedure. Located in Portland, Oregon, the experienced dental team at Joshua R. Opperman, DMD Family Dentistry performs root canals on a routine basis. If you have any hesitations about getting a root canal, give the office a call or schedule an appointment online.
Root Canals
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental treatment that saves and repairs an infected tooth. If your tooth becomes critically infected from the inside, Dr. Opperman takes out the bacteria and any dead or dying tissue. This allows them to protect your tooth and take away your pain.
How can the root of a tooth become infected?
An untreated cavity or oral injury can cause infection in the tissue and roots of your teeth. If you don’t get to a dentist in time, the infected tissue can reach the pulp or root of your tooth. Be sure to inquire about treatment, because if the infection gets any further, this can induce a host of other problems.
How can I recognize an infected tooth?
If you don't seek treatment for the infected tooth rather immediately, you might experience a significant amount of discomfort. The usual symptoms of an infected tooth are:
- Inflamed gums
- Tooth soreness, especially when chewing
- Acute tooth sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures
- Bad breath
- Pus coming from around the tooth
- Painful throbbing in your mouth or jaw
- Darkening color of the tooth
- A small pimple-like bump on your gum
How does a root canal work?
Most often, Dr. Opperman completes the treatment in one or two appointments. You may first need X-rays so he can judge the magnitude of damage to the tooth needing a root canal.
Dr. Opperman will use a needle to numb the region and make sure you don't feel anything during the procedure. Sometimes they stick a small layer of rubber, or dental dam, around the tooth to safeguard it and keep it sanitary throughout the process. After applying a local anesthetic, he makes a small incision in your tooth to reach the diseased area within the root.
Next, Dr. Opperman takes away the damaged and unhealthy pulp using small files, and sprays the area with water to remove debris. After all diseased matter is gone, he either seals the tooth or inserts a non-permanent filling to shield the tooth until you return for a permanent crown.
If you have any signs or symptoms of a tooth infection, call Joshua R. Opperman, DMD Family Dentistry or schedule a consultation online.
