Root Canals
If you are dreading an upcoming root canal appointment, you are not alone. The American Association of Endodontists noted that root canal therapy is the most feared dental procedure of all.
Despite what you may have heard, the treatment is virtually painless. At Lake Belton Family Dentistry and Dentures, we will make sure you are completely relaxed and comfortable during your treatment. Our gentle techniques and sedation dentistry options will put your fears at ease and will leave you with a positive experience.
What Is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is an area inside your tooth root where the pulp and nerves reside. Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure designed to repair and save teeth damaged due to decay, injuries, or cracks, and those with inflamed or infected tooth pulp. It involves removing the tooth pulp and filling the space with a composite material to maintain the structural integrity of the tooth’s root.
Root canal therapy helps relieve pain and swelling of an infected and inflamed tooth, preserving it, and preventing the potential need for extraction. A dental crown is typically used to protect and strengthen the affected tooth and to restore it’s appearance, form, and function.
What Are Common Warning Signs You Need Root Canal Therapy?
Warning signs that you may need root canal therapy include gum or tooth pain, tenderness, tooth discoloration, sensitivity to heat or cold, a pimple-like bump on your gum indicating an abscess, or tenderness in the lymph nodes under the jaw. In some cases, you may require root canal therapy but experience no symptoms. Digital x-rays taken during your routine dental exams will reveal any tooth damage, allowing us to treat and save your tooth.
What Is the Root Canal Procedure?
After reviewing a digital x-ray of the affected tooth, we will examine your teeth, gums, and the supporting bone structure and will explain the procedure. We will also discuss our sedation dentistry options for your comfort.
After applying local anesthesia to numb the area, our endodontist will remove the diseased pulp, and then will clean, medicate, and fill your root canal with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The last step is sealing the space. Following your root canal treatment, we will prepare a custom dental crown to strengthen your tooth and to protect it from further damage.
How Should You Care for Your Teeth After Root Canal Therapy?
Caring for teeth after root canal therapy is no different than caring for your natural teeth. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. That will help keep your teeth and gums free of disease. Don’t forget to schedule your routine dental exams and cleanings to keep your mouth clean and healthy. During your visits, we will inspect your restorations and will be on the lookout for any dental problems. With meticulous oral hygiene practices and preventive care, your treated tooth can last a lifetime!
Root Canal Therapy Near Me
Contact Lake Belton Family Dentistry and Dentures in Temple, TX, to learn more about root canal therapy and how the procedure can save a damaged tooth. Our skilled and experienced team is committed to delivering quality, gentle care in a comfortable environment. You can always count on us. Call us and schedule your appointment today!