Are you experiencing tooth pain? It all started with discomfort when drinking cold water and soon progressed to more persistent pain. The next thing you knew, you were in excruciating pain that wouldn’t go away. The chances are you have a tooth infection that has reached the nerve, requiring root canal therapy. Despite what you may have heard, the endodontic treatment is a routine, relatively comfortable procedure that will relieve your pain and save your tooth.
Why Would You Need a Root Canal?
At the center of each of your teeth is a space called the pulp chamber that contains blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves. Tooth decay at the root level, trauma, tooth chips or cracks, damaged dental work, or repeated dental procedures can lead to tooth pulp infection or inflammation, necessitating a root canal treatment.
An infected tooth will not heal on its own. Root canal therapy is the only way to treat and save the affected tooth and alleviate your pain. Otherwise, the infection can spread and affect your neighboring teeth or may enter the bloodstream and affect critical areas of the body. The only alternative to a needed root canal is to have the tooth extracted and replaced by a dental implant or bridge.
What Is the Root Canal Process?
At Greenville Ave. Dental, we use cutting-edge cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology to capture 360-degree views of your mouth and detailed images of your teeth, nerve pathways, sinuses, tissues, and bone. Using CBCT scans to reveal unusual anatomy, canal perforations, or missed canals will contribute to the procedure’s success.
We start the root canal procedure by numbing the area with local anesthesia. We are also happy to offer nitrous oxide sedation, if needed, to help you relax in the dentist’s chair.
Once you are comfortable, Dr. Cha will make a small opening in the tooth’s crown to access and remove the infected pulp. Next, she will clean and disinfect the space and place a rubber-like filling material called gutta-percha. The final step is sealing the tooth with a temporary filling to prevent reinfection.
After your root canal procedure, the treated tooth will be brittle and prone to fracture. That’s why we typically place a dental crown for protection. With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime.
How Can You Lower the Risk of Tooth Pulp Damage?
The best way to keep your smile healthy is to maintain daily oral hygiene care, including regular brushing and flossing. If you are engaged in contact sports or if you grind your teeth in your sleep, talk to Dr. Cha about a custom mouthguard to safeguard your smile.
It’s essential to keep up with your routine dental exams and cleanings every six months. Your exams allow us to identify and treat decay or infection in their earliest stages before progressing and requiring root canal therapy. Twice-yearly cleanings, on the other hand, remove plaque and bacteria that lead to tooth decay and gum disease, preventing oral health problems from ever developing. If you have tooth sensitivity or pain between routine visits, contact us for prompt treatment.
Root Canals Near Me in Dallas, TX
For more on saving damaged teeth and alleviating your pain with root canal therapy, visit Greenville Ave. Dental at our state-of-the-art practice in Dallas, TX. Dr. Cha will do everything possible to ensure you are comfortable while receiving exceptional care.
We invite you to contact 972-483-9783 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment today!
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