Got a severe toothache or infection? You may be suffering from a root canal infection; book an appointment with the dentist in West Heaven, OR, to save your tooth.

Dentist in West Heaven, OR

Root canal therapy is a last resort if tooth decay spreads to the pulp. The canals of teeth contain nerves, so once decay reaches this area, it's extremely painful. The best way to spot a root canal problem is through symptoms like toothaches and pain when chewing or biting down. Other signs include tooth discoloration and swelling in the gums surrounding a tooth. Also, be on the lookout for these other common signs of a cavity:

• Unexplained sensitivity or discomfort to hot and cold foods and drinks
• Lingering toothaches 
• Dark spots on the teeth that may appear to have a hole or ragged edge
• A bad taste in the mouth that won't go away
• Pain while eating or drinking
• Loose teeth
• Abscesses or pimple-like bumps along the gumline
• Sensitive teeth even when no cold/hot food or drinks are present
• Gums that bleed easily or appear red
• Teeth that are changing color
• Swollen, sore gums
• Bad breath

If these symptoms become especially severe or don't improve within a week or two with at-home care, it's important to visit your dentist in West Heaven, OR, for a checkup. Cavities can be eliminated early on with a simple filling; however, if the cavities grow large enough, they can no longer be treated with fillings and instead will require a crown or a root canal to treat the tooth and save it from extraction.

Root canal procedure by the dentist in West Heaven, OR

During a root canal, the dentist in West Heaven, OR, removes the inflamed or infected nerve of your tooth. This infection can cause pain when eating or when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures. But with the diseased or damaged nerve removed, the pain goes away, and the tooth becomes healthy again!

In fact, the success rate for a root canal procedure is over 90%, which is much higher than other types of dental procedures. Plus, the procedure is very comfortable – we actually use anesthetics to eliminate any discomfort in our patients during the treatment. The majority of patients report that they feel little or no discomfort during a root canal procedure.

On top of that, getting a root canal means you don't have to worry about getting a tooth pulled down the road. Root canal procedures can last a lifetime if you take care of them properly by brushing twice daily and flossing daily. And with a root canal, your natural tooth remains intact, so you can continue to eat all of your favorite foods without any issues.

If you are looking for the best root canal procedure near you, visit the dentist in West Heaven, OR. 

If you’re interested in learning more about our dental services, we encourage you to contact our dentist in West Heaven, OR, for more information. We look forward to hearing from you soon and welcoming you to our practice family.