Root Canal Specialist

What’s a root canal?

If you have a tooth that has become badly infected or damaged, your dentist may suggest a root canal treatment to save your tooth, rather than removing it. The inner part of the tooth, the pulp chamber, houses your tooth’s blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves, which can become inflamed or infected because of dental trauma such as cracks or chips, cavities, or repeated dental work on a tooth. A root canal involves removing the tooth nerve and the innermost part of the tooth, the pulp. 

As one patient said: "Dr. Azzarelli at Hillsdale Dental Care is wonderful! She is informative, patient, gentle, and ever-concerned with patient comfort during procedures. She is meticulous about her work and everything she has done has been SUPER!"

The team at Hillsdale Dental Care strives to make root canal treatments a comfortable and relaxed experience.

What signs indicate you may need a root canal?

You should visit Hillsdale Dental Care if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Swollen or tender gums
• Foul taste in your mouth
• Severe tooth pain
• Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
• Darkened tooth

Because there aren’t always visible signs of needing a root canal, it’s important to stay up-to-date with your semi-annual dental checkups to ensure your oral health remains optimal.

What’s the process of having a root canal procedure?

Your provider starts by administering local anesthesia to numb your tooth. After the anesthesia takes effect, a small hole is created in your infected tooth to access the pulp chamber. Once inside, they remove the dead tissue and bacteria.

Once the treatment is complete, your dentist closes the opening in your tooth with a restorative filling and places a crown on top of your tooth to make it functional and natural-looking. The whole procedure takes roughly 90 minutes.

How can I avoid cavities?

One of the main reasons people need root canals is because of cavities. If you don’t take care of your oral hygiene, the cavity can create a hole all the way to the inner portion of your tooth. The bacteria now has access to your pulp chamber, which can lead to a severe toothache or infection.

Hillsdale Dental Care recommends to following to avoid developing cavities:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily
• Floss and use mouthwash at least once daily
• Limit your intake of sugary food and drinks
• Quit smoking

If you’re experiencing discomfort in one of your teeth, you may have a tooth infection and potentially lose your tooth. To repair your tooth using a root canal call Hillsdale Dental Care today, or book your appointment online.