Tooth pain is often the first indicator of a dental infection. Infection is often in the tooth’s interior, also known as the root canal. The root canal contains sensitive pulp and nerves that can be impacted when infection enters through a damaged tooth. Dr. Ned Greenberg provides root canal procedures in his Baltimore, MD office.
This procedure removes the infected pulp inside the tooth. A root canal procedure can help prevent tooth loss by removing infection and then cleaning and sealing off the affected tooth. Learn more about common symptoms of dental infections as well as the specifics of this general dental treatment below.
Symptoms of Tooth Infection
Contact our office if you have noticed these common signs of infection:
- Toothaches
- Fever
- Tooth sensitivity
- Face swelling
- Pain in the neck, jaw, or ear
Poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar, or dry mouth are risk factors that increase the chance of patients developing tooth infections. Please schedule regular appointments at our dental office in order to treat your risk factors and prevent existing symptoms from progressing.
The Root Canal Procedure at Our Baltimore, MD Dentist Office
Some patients may think that a root canal is a painful procedure, but we utilize a local anesthetic and can provide dental sedation for pain-free treatment. Dr. Greenberg will also explain the procedure to you so that you can better understand the treatment process and feel comfortable in his care. To begin, Dr. Greenberg creates a small hole in the back of the infected tooth and removes the damaged tissue.
After cleaning the inside of the tooth, he fills the pulp chamber with a biocompatible material. This material reseals the tooth and helps to prevent further dental infections. Dr. Greenberg will recommend a dental crown to strengthen the affected tooth for patients with extensive damage. Dental crowns provide durability and help reinforce a stable bite.
FAQs: Root Canal
What should you not do before a root canal?
Before a root canal, patients should avoid alcohol and tobacco products for at least 24 hours before the procedure. Patients should also be sure to eat and take a painkiller before the procedure begins.
How long does a root canal take to settle down?
Root canals take a couple of days to settle in and adjust to. In some cases, patients may take up to a week to recover from a root canal.
Can you talk after a root canal?
It is normal to experience pain after a root canal, making speaking difficult, but this should not last for long. Most patients report some pain, but very few report difficulty speaking.
Treat Tooth Decay Today
Do you suffer from frequent tooth pain? You may require a root canal procedure. Call 410.686.4646 or request a dental exam online. Do you have any remaining questions about your specific dental concerns? Let Dr. Greenberg or a member of our dental team know at your next appointment. We serve dental patients in Baltimore County.