The term “root canal” refers to two things:

• The cavity inside the center of the tooth, which contains the dental pulp
• The procedure performed to repair teeth in cases of disease, damage, or infection

The dental pulp inside the root canal contains the tooth’s nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Dental pulp is highly sensitive to injury, inflammation, or infection. If you experience tooth decay or dental trauma or have repeated procedures on a single tooth, the dental pulp may breakdown. This can lead to infections in the gums, tooth roots, jawbones, and other oral tissues.

Root canal treatment, known simply as a “root canal,” is a procedure performed to remove the impacted pulp, clear the infection, seal the affected tooth, and prevent future infection. Without treatment, the infection can worsen and spread until the tooth has to be removed.

Are you worried that you may need a root canal? If you, be sure to visit or call us right away. Signs you may need root canal treatment include:

• Severe toothache
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Prolonged sensitivity to pressure or temperature
• Discoloration or darkening of the affected tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums
• An abscess (pimple) on the gums

In-office teeth whitening is an effective, affordable, and convenient way to brighten your smile. All it takes is a 30-90 minute appointment to bleach away stains and reveal a smile that is up to five shades whiter. Here is what to expect during your professional teeth whitening treatment:

• First, our dentist will make note of the current shade of your teeth.
• Your teeth will be cleaned to remove any plaque and prepared to receive treatment. A barrier will also be placed along your gums to protect them from the whitening gel, which may cause irritation.
• Our dentist will apply the whitening gel on the surfaces of your teeth. The gel will remain on your teeth until the optimal shade has been reached, or until the maximum treatment time has passed.
• Next, your teeth will be rinsed, and you will be able to see your results instantly. Depending on your treatment needs and goals, we may schedule follow-up appointments until you achieve your desired brightness.

At Smile Perfection Dental & Braces, we understand that root canals have a scary reputation. But there is no need to worry! Root canal treatment is a gentle, effective, and entirely safe procedure that provides relief from painful tooth decay, trauma, or infection. We take every precaution to make your treatment experience as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Here is what you can expect during your root canal appointment:

• Your gum and teeth will be examined to locate the source of infection. Next, our team will take X-rays to determine the extent of the infection and if it has extended to the bone
• Local anesthesia will be injected into the treatment area to numb the tooth and gums. We also offer laughing gas to make your experience comfortable and relaxing.
• The infected tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and prepped for the root canal. Next, our dentist will drill a small hole at the top of the tooth to expose the infected pulp.
• The pulp is removed, and the tooth treated to remove the infection. Finally, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned to allow the dental filling to be applied
• Once the filling sets, a dental crown will be placed on top of the tooth to seal it and protect it against future infection.

Our patients choose Smile Perfection Dental & Braces of for our quality care and dedication to service. No matter your treatment needs and goals, our skilled dental team will do everything we can to exceed your expectations!