Root Canals
Part of the reason people dislike root canals is the myth that it's a painful procedure, and part is due to a fear of the unknown. At Sunrise Dental of Eugene, we can change your perception of root canals and help you understand what a crucial procedure it is if you have an infected tooth.
Dr. Jiyung Kang and his team want to reassure you that a root canal is a straightforward procedure and nothing to be feared! Today we can perform root canals that are no more complex than having a tooth filled.
Why Root Canals Are Necessary
When you get a cavity in a tooth, it’s important to seek treatment right away. If you don’t, the cavity will spread and eventually enter the innermost part of the tooth.
Called the pulp chamber, this area deep in your tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and tissue that keeps the tooth healthy and alive. If bacteria reach the pulp due to a deep cavity, fracture, or dental trauma, an infection or abscess can develop.
Any of the following symptoms can indicate that you have an infected tooth and need a root canal:
- A severe toothache
- Tender, inflamed, or swollen gums
- Jaw pain or swelling
- A raised bump or “pimple” on the gums
- An awful taste in your mouth
An infected or abscessed tooth can be extremely painful, and the only option to relieve it and save your tooth is to perform a root canal. Without treatment, the pain will worsen and the tooth will become unsalvageable and need to be removed.
An Efficient, Stress-Free Root Canal
The most popular myth about root canals is that they are painful. The fact is that it’s usually the pain of the infection that people remember most about the experience.
Root canals are not painful procedures when performed by an experienced dentist like Dr. Kang. The first step is to numb the tooth we’re treating, and we won’t begin your procedure until we know you are relaxed and ready.
Dr. Kang efficiently removes the infected pulp through a tiny access hole in your tooth. This leaves a hollow space inside the tooth that we fill with a material called gutta-percha. Our dentist then seals the tooth and places a temporary filling to protect the tooth while it heals.
The healing process takes about two weeks. We will have you return to our Eugene dental clinic, and Dr. Kang will place either a final filling or crown to protect and strengthen the tooth.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
We understand that regardless of what we tell you, you may still feel anxious about your procedure.
Our goal is to provide a relaxing, stress-free root canal that relieves your pain and protects your long-term oral health. We offer cozy neck pillows and blankets to help you feel relaxed, and if there’s anything else we can do for you, please let us know.
At Sunrise Dental of Eugene, we make your comfort our priority!
Do You Think You Need a Root Canal?
If you have any of the symptoms listed above and suspect you may need a root canal, call our Eugene dental office as soon as possible. We see most emergency patients the same day, so if you are in pain, we will get you the relief you need as quickly as possible.
The staff here is so amazing and professional
The staff here is so amazing and professional. Doc does an awesome job as well. He is quick and very precise with his work. I highly recommend Sunrise Dental! I moved here from The Bay Area with no dentist and they took me right in with open arms.
- Cyrus H. L.
Root Canals Promotions
Frequently Asked Questions
If Dr. Kang recommends a root canal at our Eugene, OR dental office, it is because you have developed an infected tooth or dental abscess that he needs to treat. Bacteria enter a tooth by way of a deep cavity, a crack or fracture, or a hard knock to the tooth and cause an infection.
Why You Need a Root Canal
A root canal is the only procedure available to remove the infected material from inside the tooth safely. If you are in significant pain, which is common with a root infection, a root canal is the only method we have to relieve it—short of extracting the tooth altogether.
The Root Canal Procedure
During your procedure, our root canal dentist makes a tiny hole in your tooth to access the tooth's pulp chamber. This is the innermost part of the tooth and contains dental pulp that carries blood vessels, tissue, and nerves that keep the tooth alive.
He carefully and thoroughly removes the infected pulp from your tooth and then disinfects the area. Next, he fills the hollowed-out chamber with a material called gutta-percha, then seals and fills the tooth with a temporary filling.
Your tooth will likely be sore for a few days after your procedure, but that is common and nothing to worry about. Taking over-the-counter pain medications is typically all that our patients need for relief.
After healing, Dr. Kang may recommend a dental crown or tooth-colored filling for protection, depending on the tooth's location and condition.
Do You Need a Root Canal in Eugene, OR?
If you have a toothache, jaw pain or swelling, or notice a raised bump on your gums, you may have an infected tooth. Call our Eugene, OR dental office to schedule an appointment with our root canal dentist so we can get you the prompt treatment you need.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Jiyung Kang
Dr. Jiyung Kang was born and raised in South Korea. He moved to the United States in 2003 to seek a better opportunity for his family. Before becoming a dentist, Dr. Kang honorably served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic and completed a tour in Iraq. While serving in the Army, he found his dedication to helping patients and rendering care to people in need.
After his service in the US Army, Dr. Kang went on to graduate from Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine where ...