Officially, root canals are located deep in your tooth and encase the nerve and pulp. However, “root canal” is also the treatment term used when this tooth section becomes infected.
If you have a root infection, a root canal treatment often saves your tooth from extraction and stops the spread of infection.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal in White Bear Lake, MN
Typically, if you have a root infection, you’ll also have a toothache. Other symptoms may include tooth discoloration, swelling, and a blister-like lesion on the gum.
If you visit your dentist twice yearly for exams and teeth cleanings, they can spot the emerging infection before it causes you pain or puts your tooth at risk.
The Root Canal Process
Root canals are typically performed under local anesthesia—numbing of the treatment site. During the treatment, your dentist in White Bear Lake, MN removes the infection from your root canal, seals it with a temporary filling, and asks you to come in for a follow-up appointment.
We provide either a tooth-colored filling or a dental crown during your follow-up to complete your root canal treatment.
A dental crown is a tooth cap customized to fit a treated tooth. It is permanently colored and shaped to resemble your natural teeth.
Tips to Lower Your Risks
The key to a healthy smile is regular dental care combined with an excellent oral health routine.
In most cases—unless you have a diagnosed condition like gum disease—you’ll want to visit us every six months for a general checkup and teeth cleaning. And it would help if you were cleaning and flossing your teeth at least twice each day.
Additionally, always consult your dentist if you notice changes in your oral health. This can include tooth sensitivity, pain, or lesions.
For Root Canals in White Bear Lake, MN, Contact Us Today
If you have a toothache, we work hard to arrange your emergency dental appointment as soon as possible. So give us a call to get started.