In This Article
A root canal is an endodontic treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The root canal procedure involves removing the damaged or dead tissue from inside the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessels. Once the interior of the tooth is clean, it is sealed with a filling or crown. Root canals are often necessary when a tooth is severely decayed or becomes infected. The infection can be caused by a deep cavity, a crack in the tooth, or trauma to the tooth. If the infection is left untreated, it can spread to the jaw and other parts of the body.
Root canal treatments and endodontic treatment are usually performed by root canal specialists, dentists, or endodontists. The procedure is usually done in one or two visits, depending on the severity of the infected tooth. The dentist will numb the area around the infected tooth and clean out the infected pulp tissue. Once the tooth is clean, a temporary filling is placed, followed by the permanent filling or crown.
Root canal treatment is usually successful in saving the affected tooth and preventing further infection. It’s usually your last resort to save a natural tooth. However, in some cases, the natural tooth may need to be removed to prevent the inflamed or infected pulp from causing further damage. If you need a root canal, you must contact highly-skilled and talented root canal specialists in your area. Please continue reading to learn more about endodontic treatment in Houston.
Step-by-Step Root Canal Treatment
A root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp or nerve of the tooth becomes damaged or infected. This can happen due to decay, injury, or cracking of the tooth. Root canals are a fairly routine procedure that can be completed by your dentist or endodontist, who is a specialist. The following is a step-by-step guide of what you can expect during root canals.
Before the Procedure
You will likely be given a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. You may also be given sedation if you experience anxiety or have a sensitive gag reflex.
The Procedure
- An access hole will be made in the tooth so that the dentist can reach the pulp chamber.
- The inflamed or infected pulp and nerve tissue will be removed from the tooth.
- The root canal will be cleaned and shaped.
- A temporary filling will be placed in the tooth.
- You will be given instructions on how to care for the tooth before your permanent restoration is placed. This may include avoiding chewing on that side of the mouth and brushing and flossing carefully.
After the Procedure
You may experience some sensitivity in the treated tooth, which is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with this. You should avoid chewing on that side of the mouth until your permanent restoration is in place. This is typically a crown. It is important to follow up with your dentist or endodontist to make sure the root canal was successful.
Indications for Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is usually recommended when the pulp tissues (the soft tissues inside the tooth) become inflamed or infected. This can happen as a result of deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or a blow to the tooth. The inflamed or infected pulp is removed from the tooth, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Root canal treatment is often successful in saving the tooth and relieving pain. However, in some cases, the tooth may not be able to be saved. In these cases, the tooth will need to be extracted (pulled). If you think you may need root canal treatment, contact your dentist to discuss your options.
How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal?
If you have pain in your tooth that is severe and lasts for more than a couple of days, you may need a root canal. Root canals are often necessary when the nerve of a tooth becomes infected. The infection can be a result of decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth.
In addition to pain, other symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the stimulus is removed
- Tenderness when biting or chewing
- A small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth
- Darkening of the tooth
- Bad taste in the mouth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Root canal treatment is often very successful in saving teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. The procedure involves removing the infected nerve tissue, cleaning out the root canal, and then filling and sealing the tooth.
If you think you may need a root canal treatment, the best thing to do is to make an appointment with your dentist. He or she will be able to determine if a root canal treatment is the best option for you.
Is Root Canal Painful?
A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The procedure involves removing the diseased tissue from the tooth’s root canal, cleaning and shaping the inside of the canal, and filling and sealing the space.
Root canals are usually not painful, but you may experience some discomfort during the procedure. Your dentist or endodontist will numbed the area around the tooth before beginning the procedure. You may feel pressure during the procedure, but you should not feel any pain.
If your tooth was infected before the root canal, you may experience some discomfort after the procedure as your tooth heals. This is normal and should go away within a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
Schedule Your Root Canal Treatment in Houston
URBN Dental is a group of state-of-the-art dental clinics specializing in endodontic treatment and root canal treatments in Houston. We have offices in Uptown Houston, Midtown Houston, and Montrose. Our Uptown Houston dental clinic is close to the Galleria shopping mall. Please schedule an appointment to explore your root canal treatments in Houston.