Root Canals in Cookeville TN
Are you experiencing a throbbing toothache that's keeping you up at night? Or notice red, swollen, tender gums near a tooth?
Don't let the phrase "root canal" worry you because root canal treatment (RCT) is a lifesaver for your tooth. Despite the myths, root canal treatment in Cookeville does not cause pain; it relieves it!
Even so, the caring team at Hall Dental Group in Cookeville, TN, understands your apprehension about the procedure. We are here to show you that modern root canal treatment using leading-edge technology is a comfortable, efficient process that's no more complex than filling a tooth.
If you prefer a little extra relaxation, we also offer gentle relaxation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas), so you can have a calm, anxiety-free experience.
How a Tooth Infection Starts
Despite their hard exterior, our teeth are incredibly dynamic on the inside. Each tooth houses a chamber of soft tissue, the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
When the tooth's protective barriers—enamel and dentin—are compromised through decay, cracks, or trauma, bacteria can invade the pulp chamber. This leads to an infection or inflammation. Left untreated, this can cause severe pain, form a dental abscess, and allow the infection to spread.
Recognize the Red Flags: Infected Tooth Symptoms
The following symptoms might signal that your tooth's pulp has become infected or inflamed. Please contact our Cookeville, TN, dental office, and we will arrange to see you as soon as possible.
- Severe toothache, especially when chewing
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums around a tooth
- Pimple-like bumps on your gums (dental abscess)
- An awful taste or odor in your mouth
The only alternative to a root canal is extracting the tooth, which can trigger more complex issues like tooth misalignment, difficulty chewing comfortably, speech issues, and aesthetic concerns. Our goal at Hall Dental Group is to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible, and a root canal is a treatment that allows us to do just that.