Philadelphia Root Canals
If you have a tooth that is sensitive to hot or cold or hurts when you chew, you may need a root canal.
We know that many people dread the thought of having a root canal because they think it will be painful. But here’s something you may not realize – root canals don’t cause pain, they relieve it!
Dr. Debra V. Irvin has performed hundreds of root canals since 1983 and understands how important your comfort is. We have created an office environment that is calm and welcoming, and our team will go out of their way to make you feel like a valued member of our family.
When you visit us for any treatment, you can be confident that we will focus entirely on you and your needs.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
We perform a root canal when a tooth gets infected because of decay, trauma, or gum disease.
There is a natural pocket deep within your tooth that contains dental pulp. Pulp consists of a system of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues that help keep the tooth alive; it also includes a series of tiny passageways known as root canals.
When this part of your tooth is infected, we need to perform root canal therapy. The procedure involves removing the infected tissue and cleaning the root canal. Dr. Irvin carefully removes the nerve and pulp, cleans and disinfects the canal, then seals it. Since decay has already compromised the strength of your tooth, we will most likely recommend a dental crown to protect it.
We want you to be completely comfortable during your procedure, and we are happy to discuss the option of an oral sedative to help you relax and get the care you need.
How Can I Tell if I Need a Root Canal?
The only way to be certain you need a root canal is by having Dr. Irvin perform a thorough examination. However, there are symptoms you can be aware of that are an indication that a serious problem is developing:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks
- Severe toothache pain
- Discomfort when you chew
- Swelling and tenderness of the gum
- A raised bump (abscess) on the gums
No matter how much you dislike the thought of having a root canal, putting off treatment is never a good idea. A delay will usually result in unnecessary pain and an increased risk of tooth loss.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s critical for you to contact us immediately. We don’t want you to experience discomfort any longer than necessary, so we always leave time in our day for our emergency patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental anxiety is a serious problem because it causes many people to avoid visits to the dentist. The problem is that avoiding treatments because of fear will only lead to more complicated dental problems in the future.
Debra V. Irvin, DDS, has been putting her patients at ease for decades. She knows that, for some, a gentle approach is all that’s needed to soothe anxiety. However, many of our fearful patients benefit from the use of sedation dentistry.
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescription sedative before you come to our office for treatment. When you arrive for your appointment, you will feel calm and relaxed. The effects of conscious sedation last longer than nitrous, so you will need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment.
If you would like more information about which type of sedation is right for you, please call our Philadelphia dental office.
Meet Our Doctor:
Debra V. Irvin DDS
"My goal is that our patients are satisfied with the dental care they receive from us and that they feel the dental care we have provided has enhanced their dental status and mental well-being!"
Born in Philadelphia and raised several blocks from the office. Dr. Debra Irvin received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania then attended the University of Maryland, where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1983 and began her career in private practice. Dr. Irvin served as Clinical Instructor for the Expanded Function ...