Root canal treatment is necessary when you have an infection in your tooth’s root canal. Endodontists perform the procedure to relieve pain, prevent reinfection, and save the tooth. Without prompt dental therapy, patients may experience tooth abscess. Lovett Dental Conroe can provide individuals and families with this procedure and several other general dental services.
Reasons You May Need a Root Canal
The signs of an infection in your tooth’s root can vary. Some of the most common symptoms include,
- Persistent pain
- Hot and cold sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- Tooth discoloration
- Pain when chewing
- Cracks or chips
- Loose teeth
Some of these reasons have other explanations. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, look into root canal treatment. Even if the root’s not the problem, our skilled dentists and endodontist can help you find relief with dental services.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Although it may seem uncommon, endodontists complete millions of successful procedures across the country every year. The procedure begins with the endodontist numbing the areas topically and with a novocaine injection around the tooth. Next, they remove a small section from the top of the tooth to access the infected pulp and carefully remove it. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. It’s found from the tooth canal to the jawbone and is the life-force for your teeth.
Your endodontist uses special tools to clean and irrigate the area, using a disinfecting solution to remove all the infected areas. Most often, they add treatment to kill germs and reduce the chances of further infection. During this appointment, the dentist places temporary fillings and sealants over the top of your tooth to seal it. The office will have you return for a second appointment to check the healing and place a permanent filling on the tooth. If the area is thin or highly susceptible to cracking, they may add a crown instead of extra protection.
Benefits of Tooth-Saving Root Procedures
The most obvious advantages are pain relief and keeping your tooth. However, root therapy can help maintain a normal biting force and the natural sensation when you bite. It also offers cosmetic benefits with a normal appearance when talking and smiling. The procedure also protects your other teeth from excessive wear and strain, which can lead to future dental issues.
Avoiding root treatment has the potential to lead to a dental abscess, which is a pocket of pus in the tissue surrounding your tooth. The infection can spread to the jawbone, sinus cavities and cause sepsis when left untreated.
If you need dental abscess treatment, contact Lovett Dental Conroe at 936-760-2400. Patients that can’t access a dentist and have serious symptoms, such as a fever over 101.4 F, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, or severe pain that won’t stop, should seek immediate emergency dental services.
What is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a specialist who’s completed at least two additional dental training years concentrating on treating and diagnosing tooth pain. They focus on problems arising from the internal area of teeth, such as dental pulp, with a regular dentist treats the tooth’s surface. These dentists perform tooth-saving procedures. An endodontist keeps their practice limited to these pain-relieving treatments to maintain their expertise with internal tooth functions.
Root Canal Treatment Recovery Time
Your mouth will be sore after the procedure. Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to relieve the discomfort. The pain should slowly resolve in a few days.
Contact Lovett Dental Conroe Today
We understand you may be nervous about a root canal, but the process is surprisingly easy thanks to our sedation dentistry options. Call 936-760-2400 and see how our dental team can help relieve your pain and get your mouth feeling great again.