Root Canal Specialist

Scottsdale Family Dental

Christopher Yoon, DMD

General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Scottsdale, AZ

Men and women who learn they need a root canal often become anxious over the procedure in anticipation. A root canal doesn’t have to be a stressful, uncomfortable experience when you visit the skilled dental team at Scottsdale Family Dental. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more experienced dental team than Scottsdale Family Dental in Scottsdale, Arizona. Christopher Yoon, DMD, performs root canal procedures all the time. Call or book an appointment online if you’re worried about a root canal treatment.

480-551-5141

Root Canal Q & A

Do I need a root canal?

The goal of a root canal is to alleviate pain and save an infected tooth. If your tooth becomes severely infected from inside, Dr. Yoon at Scottsdale Family Dental removes the bacteria and any dying or dead tissue. This allows them to protect your tooth and take away your pain.

What causes the root of a tooth to become infected?

An untreated cavity or oral injury can cause infection in the tissue and roots of your teeth. The infected tissue may enter the root or pulp of the tooth if you put off going to your dentist. Ask about treatment. If you don't, the infection could spread even further and lead to other health complications.

How do I know if I have an infected tooth?

An infected tooth can cause pain very quickly, particularly if you don't address it soon enough. The usual symptoms of an infected tooth are:

Inflamed gums
Tooth soreness when eating and drinking
Intense tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Unpleasant breath
Pus coming from around the tooth
A painful throbbing in your mouth or jaw
Tooth darkening in color
A bump on your gum like a small pimple

What's involved in a root canal?

Dr. Yoon at Scottsdale Family Dental can typically mend your tooth in one or two appointments. You may need X-rays taken so that the full extent of the tooth damage can be evaluated before the root canal is performed.

When it's time for the procedure to begin, Dr. Yoon at Scottsdale Family Dental will apply a needle to anesthetize the area. Sometimes they put a dental dam, or a small film of rubber, on your tooth to keep it hygienic and shielded while the procedure is happening. After your tooth gets numbed, your dentist makes a tiny cut in your tooth to find and treat the area of infection in the root.

Then, Dr. Yoon uses small files to remove the damaged and diseased pulp and irrigates the area with water to wash away any debris. Until you return for a permanent crown, your dentist either seals the tooth or applies a temporary filling.

Book a consultation online or call Scottsdale Family Dental if you show even a minor symptom or sign of tooth infection. It could be more serious than you think.