Root Canals

What is a root canal?

A root canal is an in-office dental procedure in which Dr. Wanuck removes your infected tooth pulp and replaces it with a special biocompatible material. Dr. Wanuck performs a root canal to save your tooth structure, so you still have optimal appearance and structure of your tooth.

You need your tooth pulp while your tooth grows and develops. Tooth pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. Once your tooth has fully matured, the pulp isn’t necessary for its integrity. If your tooth pulp is infected, it’s always safer to remove it.

Why would I need a root canal?You might not have symptoms, but during your regular professional dental check-up and cleaning at Wanuck, Hier & Associates, Dr. Wanuck can see on an X-ray if your tooth pulp is infected. Some of the signs or symptoms that you might need a root canal are:

Tooth discoloration
Pus drainage or an abscess in the area of an infected tooth
Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold
Soreness when you’re chewing with and pressing on your tooth

If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s best you visit Wanuck, Hier & Associates.

Is a root canal painful?

Dr. Wanuck usually performs your root canal under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel much during your procedure. For a few days after your procedure, you might feel a little sensitive and sore in the area. Over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve your discomfort.

If you experience pain for more than a few days, you should contact Wanuck, Hier & Associates. After the healing process, the root canal should alleviate the pain from your infected tooth root.

What can I expect with a root canal?

With a root canal, Dr. Wanuck numbs the area around your infected tooth and makes a small hole in your tooth. Dr. Wanuck carefully scrapes out any signs of infection and places a special dental solution to kill bacteria inside.

Dr. Wanuck adds a rubbery dental material to fill in the area where the infected pulp was before sealing the site and completing your root canal procedure.

At Wanuck, Hier & Associates, Dr. Wanuck often fits root canals with a crown to protect the vulnerable area. Crowns are usually made from sturdy porcelain. Full coverage crowns are available that completely cover your tooth at Wanuck, Hier & Associates. The team also performs root canals for baby teeth when needed.

Visit Wanuck, Hier & Associates to find out more about a root canal and if it’s the right treatment to protect your dental health. Call the office or request an appointment online today.