If you have dealt with issues with a tooth, you may begin to explore solutions, including a Root Canal. Also known as endodontic therapy, a root canal procedure is conducted when infection sets into the nerve or pulp of the tooth and causes inflammation. According to the American Dental Association, the infection could be a result of dental decay, a fractured or broken tooth or tooth injury.
A root canal involves the use of a dental drill to clean away both the infected nerve and pulp from the tooth. The dentist or endodontist can recommend a root canal after evaluating your condition.
The most common case that signifies the need for the root canal procedure is tooth pain. The amount of pain can vary from mild to severe; it may reduce or intensify throughout the day or worsen only when the tooth is under pressure. Some patients may suffer severe tooth sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods or liquids. The gum surrounding the affected tooth may redden and swell. If you see any of these symptoms, reach out to your dentist immediately. Be sure to mention all the symptoms, as you may need to be taken in for treatment before it worsens. To reduce the pain and swelling, you can place an ice pack on the jaw.
When you go for your appointment, the dentist will evaluate your tooth and take x-ray scans to discover the origin of the problem. After a proper screening, the dentist will know enough to suggest the best treatment to alleviate the symptoms or refer you to an endodontist, a specialist in treatments involving the tooth nerves and pulp. Depending on the cause, the dentist may suggest a root canal or another dental procedure to solve the issue.
Endodontic treatment typically takes about one or two dental visits. The dentist will first administer a local anesthetic to numb the area and then place a dental dam on the area to isolate it and prevent contamination during the procedure.
The endodontist will create an opening in the tooth crown to access the pulp of the tooth. Tiny dental instruments will be used to clean the infected pulp from the pulp chamber and roots before shaping the hole for a filling. Once that is complete, the dental expert will fill the root chamber with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and bond it with adhesive cement.
In most situations, a temporary filling may be used to close the opening; the dentist will remove this before restoring the tooth. After the procedure, you have to return to the dentist for a crown or dental restoration to shield the tooth and restore functionality.
If the tooth does not have enough structure to hold a dental restoration, the dentist may insert a post into the tooth. Talk to your dentist to learn more about the different methods of restoration suitable for your teeth after a root canal procedure.
Request an appointment here: http://www.riversdentistry.com or call Rivers Family Dentistry at (979) 710-2216 for an appointment in our Bryan office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment.
Many patients prefer dental implants to other dental restorations. The stability and aesthetic improvement that the implants provide can enhance one’s bite and speech, as well as one’s chew and smile. Understanding why implants are popular can convince you to speak to your dentist about getting them. Here are the reasons for the popularity of…
Your family dentist can provide many good things to your dental health. Improving your dental health means enhancing your general health as well. Understanding how your dentist helps can make it easier to book your appointment. Here are some of the benefits of seeing a family dentist.Having a family dentist can make dental appointments easy…
Loose teeth can be caused by trauma to the mouth, tooth decay, or periodontal disease. The type of treatment a same day dentist can provide depends on the cause of the problem.Patients are advised to seek help for loose teeth within 12 to 24 hours of noticing the issue. The earlier treatment is provided, the…
Dental implants are a popular option for people missing one or more teeth. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, making them an enticing choice for adults needing tooth replacement. Though this option offers many benefits that other teeth replacement options do not, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Let us…
Many patients prefer dental implants to other dental restorations. The stability and aesthetic improvement that the implants provide can enhance one’s bite and speech, as well as one’s chew and smile. Understanding why implants are popular can convince you to speak to your dentist about getting them. Here are the reasons for the popularity of…
Your family dentist can provide many good things to your dental health. Improving your dental health means enhancing your general health as well. Understanding how your dentist helps can make it easier to book your appointment. Here are some of the benefits of seeing a family dentist.Having a family dentist can make dental appointments easy…