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Dental Fillings & Root Canal Treatment | Dental Offices Around Me
Are you looking for information on dental fillings & root canal treatment in dental offices around me? Both dental fillings and root canals are necessary for teeth suffering from dental decay or bacterial infection. However, both dental fillings and root canals represent different stages in dental decay’s progress. Dental fillings are usually necessary when the dental decay has only affected the surface enamel of the tooth. In that stage, the dentist can remove the infected area and fill up the cavity using different materials. However, if the bacterial infection continues spreading and reaches the root canal or pulp chamber, you have to opt for an emergency root canal to save your tooth from complete decay. In this article, we give you a detailed overview of dental fillings and & root canal treatment.
What are dental fillings? The Best Dentist Answers
A dental filling is one of the most common dental restoration services. This is a dental procedure used to restore a damaged or decayed tooth back to its original form and function. During the dental filling procedure, the dentist removes the infected parts of the enamel and fills the cavity with some of the dental filling material. As such, dental filling closes spaces from which bacteria can enter your teeth and lead to further decay. Dental fillings aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are various types of dental fillings for different people and purposes.
Some of the most common dental filling materials include gold, composite resin, silver amalgam, porcelain, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. The type of filling material suitable for you will depend on your budget, whether you’re allergic to certain materials, the location of the decayed tooth, and the purpose of the treated tooth. One of the most important things to remember is that most people can’t identify dental cavities on their own, especially because they don’t cause any pain or discomfort until they reach the pulp chamber, and by then it’s too late. As such, you must go for regular dental checkups and appointments. If you have a dental cavity, the dentist will identify it and recommend dental filling before it gets worse.
What is an emergency root canal treatment?
Root canal refers to a dental procedure used to repair a damaged or infected tooth. When the bacterial infection spreads into the pulp chamber, the dentist can’t simply cover up the cavity with some dental filling. In that case, the dentist will need to drill into the tooth, remove all of the infected pulp and nerves, and then seal it again. Root canal treatment is often a last-resort procedure that prevents you from needing a tooth extraction.
How to know if I need a root canal treatment?
You generally need root canal treatment if the dental infection has spread into the pulp chamber, which happens if you don’t fill up the dental cavity on time. If left untreated, the infected pulp can cause further damage, eventually leading to an abscessed tooth and loss of bone structure. The dental infection can also spread into your gums or cheeks, thus leading to facial swelling, jaw pain, and other issues. Signs that you’re suffering from bacterial infection and may need root canal treatment include tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, bleeding gums, swollen face and cheeks, throbbing sensation on the tooth, jaw pains, and ear pains. However, if the bacterial infection has spread further, and you need an emergency root canal, you will experience symptoms like a cracked or chipped tooth, sustained tooth trauma, and severe dental decay.
What happens during a root canal treatment?
The following is an overview of what happens during a root canal from an emergency dentist near me:
- The emergency dentist will conduct an oral and x-ray examinations to examine your teeth.
- The dentist will use local anesthesia to numb your teeth. Once your teeth are numb, the dentist will attach a dental dam over the affected tooth, so they may operate on it without saliva interfering with the procedure.
- The dentist will drill an access hole into the tooth from the top of the crown.
- They will remove all of the infected pulp and dead nerves from the tooth and clean the insides of the tooth thoroughly.
- Once the insides of the tooth are cleaned, the dentist will use an adhesive cement to seal the tooth.
- The dentist will apply a filling over the tooth to seal it in place and then recommend a dental crown to protect the weakened tooth from further damage.
How successful are root canals treatment?
Root canal treatments have a success rate of over 95%. They’re one of the most successful and essential dental treatments available. In the rare cases that a root canal isn’t successful or enough, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction, followed by restorative procedures to replace the missing tooth.
Can a root canal be done in one sitting?
A root canal can be performed in a single sitting. However, in some cases, if you have an advanced infection, the dentist may need to apply a disinfectant inside the hollow cavity of your tooth before attaching a dental crown. In that case, they will seal the tooth with a temporary filling and ask you to return after a week, once the infection has been treated completely.
How long can a tooth abscess wait for treatment?
If you have an abscessed tooth, you’re already suffering from an advanced bacterial infection, and you must seek an emergency root canal immediately. If you wait to treat an abscessed tooth even a little, you may suffer from serious bone loss, dental decay, infection, and you may lose your tooth completely. Furthermore, the infection may also enter your bloodstream, which may lead to a heart condition.
Find a Private Dentist Near Me
URBN Dental is one of the most reputable private dentists near me in Houston, TX. We have some of the most accomplished dentists who examine your dental decay to recommend the best dental restoration procedure. Please schedule an appointment with a general dentist near me for more information.