Root canal therapy provides prompt pain relief and saves an infected or abscessed tooth from extraction.

Do You Need Emergency Root Canal Treatment?

Root Canal Treatment, Brentwood TN

An infected or abscessed tooth is a serious dental problem that requires prompt attention and treatment. At Haley E. Schmitt, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we know that repeated myths and stories make the procedure sound complicated or painful, but it’s not.

When performed by an experienced dentist like Dr. Schmitt, who uses strong local anesthetics and advanced technology, root canal treatment is a straightforward, comfortable procedure.

How Does a Tooth Get Infected?

root canal treatment brentwood tn Located at the center of a tooth is an area called the pulp chamber. The dental pulp consists of nerves, blood vessels, and tissue that keep a tooth alive and healthy. The pulp chamber is typically well-protected, but bacteria can enter the area through deep decay, a crack in the tooth, or trauma, such as a hard knock to the tooth.

Bacteria cause inflammation or infection, and the tooth’s nerve starts to die. This can cause an excruciating toothache, and the only way to relieve it is by removing the infected pulp promptly with root canal therapy. The only alternative to root canal treatment is extraction, but saving a tooth is always the better option.

Symptoms of an Infected Tooth

Some signs of a tooth infection or abscess are:

Excruciating tooth pain
Jaw pain or swelling
Swollen or inflamed gums
A whitish bump on the gums
Extreme tooth sensitivity
A foul odor or taste in your mouth

If you experience any of these symptoms, please call us right away. We offer same-day emergency dentistry and will see you promptly to get you out of pain and stabilize your situation.

Root Canal Therapy Removes the Infection

The goal of root canal treatment is to remove the inflamed or infected pulp, a straightforward process. First, we use a powerful local anesthetic to numb the tooth and ensure that the procedure is pain-free.

Dr. Schmitt uses leading-edge rotary endodontic technology to efficiently and thoroughly remove the infected pulp. She disinfects the tooth, fills the hollowed-out pulp chamber to prevent reinfection, seals the tooth, and places a temporary filling to protect it as it heals.

We Care about Your Comfort

pain free root canal brentwood tn Your comfort is our priority during root canal treatment, and we offer nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” if you experience dental anxiety.

Nitrous oxide helps you feel relaxed and calm during treatment but leaves your system quickly so you can drive home from your appointment safely.

We also offer neck pillows and blankets, and you are welcome to bring your headphones and listen to your own entertainment to help you relax.

What Happens after Root Canal Treatment

It’s common to feel some soreness or tenderness in the area for a day or two following treatment. You can take over-the-counter pain medication, and be sure to take any antibiotics as prescribed by Dr. Schmitt.

After about two weeks, you'll return to our dental office so we can check on your healing and then restore the tooth. Dr. Schmitt may recommend a final crown or filling to protect and support the tooth and will explain which she feels is most appropriate for your needs.

Please Don’t Postpone Root Canal Treatment!

Prompt treatment for an infected tooth is critical. Even if the pain of a root infection or abscess subsides temporarily, the infection can potentially become life-threatening as it continues to spread to the jaw and rest of the body.

If you think you need emergency root canal treatment, please call our Brentwood, TN, dental office at (615) 373-0883.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a root canal take?

A root canal procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes per visit. The time required for the procedure depends on multiple factors, namely the tooth's location in the mouth and the extent of the damage to the tooth.

For example, a root canal on a front tooth typically takes less time than one on a molar with multiple canals. Also, a root canal on a tooth that’s severely decayed generally requires more time than one addressing more moderate damage.

What to Expect During a Root Canal

The root canal process begins with an initial consultation, examination, and x-rays to assess the tooth's condition. Next, on the day of the procedure, the dentist begins by administering local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience.

Once the mouth is sufficiently numb, the dentist uses specialized tools to remove the tooth’s infected “pulp,” which consists of soft tissue, nerve endings, and blood vessels. Once they remove the pulp, the dentist cleans and shapes the root canals, and fills them with a biocompatible material.

A second visit is typically necessary to complete the restoration, especially if the tooth requires a crown for added protection and functionality. Your dentist will inform you if this is the case.

Empathetic and Pain-Free Root Canal Therapy in Brentwood, TN

If you’re in Brentwood and looking for a dental care team to guide you through root canal therapy with compassion and calm, contact Dr. Haley Schmidt and the friendly and caring Haley E. Schmitt Cosmetic & Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Megan Chavana

Dr. Megan Chavana is a Texas native who earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin and completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. She enjoys helping patients feel confident by creating healthy, beautiful smiles they can be proud of.

Dr. Chavana values building genuine relationships with her patients and believes education and trust are essential to long-term oral health. She provides preventive care, treats dental emergencies, and offers cosmetic dentistry in a comfortable, judgment-free ...

Root Canal Treatment Technology

Rotary Endodontics

The goal of root canal treatment is to save a tooth and relieve pain by removing inflamed or infected dental pulp. This process has traditionally been performed with a series of manual instruments that the dentist uses to clean out the root canals methodically.

It’s important to remove every trace of infection, which takes some time and can also produce odd sensations for the patient. With rotary endodontics, we do away with manual instruments and use power-driven technology instead.

Performing a root canal with rotary endodontics is more efficient, and the design allows our dentist to do a more thorough job of removing infected pulp. This technology also eliminates uncomfortable sensations, and the result is a more comfortable procedure, less time in the dental chair for the patient, and more favorable long-term treatment outcomes.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Comfortable Root Canals from a Compassionate Team

We Can Help You!