DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter WHEN A ROOT CANAL IS NEEDED A root canal is used to treat and fill an advanced cavity and relieve pain from an infected or abscessed tooth. When a cavity goes untreated, bacteria can invade the tooth's pulp and cause a painful infection. Pus may collect around the infected tooth, causing swelling and sensitivity. If the pus doesn't drain properly, it can lead to swelling in the face and jaw. Tooth sensitivity, discoloration, a loose tooth, and constant pain are all signs that a root canal is needed. During a root canal, the tooth's infected pulp is removed, and the empty space is cleaned and filled. Most root canal procedures require two visits: the first to remove decay and the second to install a crown. Root canal therapy may have had a bad reputation in the past as being painful; however, as most anyone who has experienced this procedure can attest, today's techniques make root canal a virtually painless, effective treatment. If you are experiencing pain or have unusual symptoms, call your dentist. Be aware of threats to your health, and take steps to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. If you don't have a family dentist at this time, we invite your call at CARPENTER DENTAL, 507-331-0909. You'll find our full service dental practice at 1086 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. P.S. Getting a root canal is not painful, and many people find, once the anesthesia wears off, that removing the infection provides immediate relief from previous pain. Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA (570) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter WHEN A ROOT CANAL IS NEEDED A root canal is used to treat and fill an advanced cavity and relieve pain from an infected or abscessed tooth . When a cavity goes untreated , bacteria can invade the tooth's pulp and cause a painful infection . Pus may collect around the infected tooth , causing swelling and sensitivity . If the pus doesn't drain properly , it can lead to swelling in the face and jaw . Tooth sensitivity , discoloration , a loose tooth , and constant pain are all signs that a root canal is needed . During a root canal , the tooth's infected pulp is removed , and the empty space is cleaned and filled . Most root canal procedures require two visits : the first to remove decay and the second to install a crown . Root canal therapy may have had a bad reputation in the past as being painful ; however , as most anyone who has experienced this procedure can attest , today's techniques make root canal a virtually painless , effective treatment . If you are experiencing pain or have unusual symptoms , call your dentist . Be aware of threats to your health , and take steps to prevent problems from occurring in the first place . If you don't have a family dentist at this time , we invite your call at CARPENTER DENTAL , 507-331-0909 . You'll find our full service dental practice at 1086 Wyoming Ave. , Forty Fort . P.S. Getting a root canal is not painful , and many people find , once the anesthesia wears off , that removing the infection provides immediate relief from previous pain . Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort , PA ( 570 ) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com