2520 W Hermosa Dr, Artesia, NM 88210
Saving Your Natural Tooth, Relieving Your Pain
Few dental problems cause the kind of sharp, persistent pain that comes with an infected or severely decayed tooth. At Smile Xpressions Family Dentistry, we provide root canal therapy for patients throughout Artesia, offering fast pain relief while saving your natural tooth from extraction whenever possible.
Contrary to their reputation, modern root canal treatment is a straightforward, comfortable procedure designed to relieve pain, not cause it. Our team focuses on making the experience as smooth as possible, so you can get back to feeling like yourself again without the discomfort of a damaged or infected tooth.
Schedule a Root Canal Consultation
What Happens Inside a Tooth During Infection?
Beneath the hard outer layers of enamel and dentin, every tooth contains a soft inner tissue called the pulp, made up of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When decay, a crack or repeated dental procedures allow bacteria to reach this inner pulp, it can become infected and inflamed, leading to significant pain and, if left untreated, the risk of an abscess or tooth loss.
Root canal therapy removes this infected or damaged pulp tissue, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, then seals it to prevent further infection. The tooth is then typically restored with a crown, allowing it to continue functioning normally for years to come.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Many patients wait too long to seek treatment simply because they aren't sure what their symptoms mean. Common signs that a tooth may need root canal therapy include:
- Persistent or throbbing tooth pain, especially when biting down
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers well after the stimulus is removed
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth
- A small, pimple-like bump on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Pain that seems to come from deep within the tooth rather than the surface
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an evaluation promptly, since untreated infections can worsen and lead to more serious complications.
What to Expect During Your Root Canal Visit
Understanding the process ahead of time can help ease any concerns before your appointment. Here is what a typical root canal visit looks like at our Artesia office.
Numbing the Area
Local anesthesia is used to fully numb the tooth and surrounding tissue, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure.
1
Accessing the Tooth
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp inside.
2
Removing Infected Pulp Tissue
The infected pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped to prepare it for sealing.
3
Disinfecting the Canal
The empty canal is thoroughly disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria and reduce the risk of future infection.
4
Sealing the Tooth
The cleaned canal is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to protect it from future contamination.
5
Restoring the Tooth
In most cases, a crown is placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength and protect it for long-term use.
6
Is Root Canal Therapy Right for You?
Root canal therapy is recommended for patients with a tooth that has become infected or severely inflamed due to deep decay, a crack, or trauma, but still has enough healthy structure remaining to be restored. Our dentist will examine the tooth, review X-rays, and evaluate whether the tooth can be saved with root canal therapy or whether extraction may be a better option in more severe cases.
Why Save the Tooth Instead of Extracting It?
- Preserves Your Natural Bite
Keeping your natural tooth maintains proper alignment and chewing function, without the need for a bridge, implant, or denture. - Prevents Shifting of Surrounding Teeth
Removing a tooth can allow neighboring teeth to shift over time. Root canal therapy avoids this by preserving the natural tooth in place. - More Cost-Effective Long Term
While extraction may seem simpler upfront, replacing a missing tooth with an implant or bridge is often more involved and costly than saving the natural tooth. - Stops the Source of Infection
Removing infected pulp tissue eliminates the source of pain and prevents the infection from spreading further into the jawbone.
Relief Is Closer Than You Think
Living with tooth pain can affect your ability to eat, sleep and focus on daily life. Root canal therapy offers a reliable way to eliminate that pain while preserving your natural tooth for years to come. Our team at Smile Xpressions is here to provide prompt, gentle care when you need it most.
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