Root canal therapy saves millions of teeth each year. However, despite being a common endodontic procedure, it still evokes fear and dread. Thankfully, advances in dental technology and anesthetics have made root canal treatments relatively painless, comparable to having cavities filled.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Inside every tooth is a natural cavity containing the pulp, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure required when a tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed or infected, usually resulting from deep decay, chips, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. The simple and straightforward treatment relieves dental pain and saves damaged teeth, maintaining your healthy smile.
At Simon Family Dental, we understand the apprehension many of our patients have about root canals. Our gentle techniques and sedation dentistry options help even the most anxious patients relax while receiving the outstanding care they deserve.
What Are Signs You Require Root Canal Therapy?
Signs of tooth pulp damage include persistent tooth pain, discomfort when biting or chewing, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, tooth discoloration, a pimple-like bump on the gums, or facial swelling. If you have any of these symptoms, please contact our office immediately for an appointment.
In some cases, infected tooth pulp may not produce any symptoms, which is why it's essential to keep up with your twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings. Our routine x-rays and physical exams will help detect any problems early on, so you can get the needed treatment and prevent the condition from progressing.
What Is the Alternative to Root Canal Therapy?
Tooth pulp infection, left untreated, may spread to the surrounding areas of the gum and jawbone, leading to serious complications. It may cause severe pain and can lead to an abscess, often resulting in swelling of the face and bone loss around the tooth's root. The infection may also enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health concerns, including heart problems or sepsis.
If you require a root canal treatment, your only alternative is to have your tooth extracted. However, that should always be considered a last resort. If your tooth must be removed, we may explore a tooth replacement option, including a dental implant or fixed bridge.
Preparing for a Root Canal Treatment
Dr. Simon will use our cutting-edge cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system to capture high-quality 3D images, allowing us to get a closer look at the affected tooth's anatomy and detect any root canal complications. One of the most common reasons a root canal treatment may fail is missing a root canal during treatment. CBCT scans help uncover any hidden canals, contributing to the procedure's success.
What Is the Root Canal Procedure?
Dr. Simon will numb the area with local anesthesia and administer dental sedation, if required, to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during treatment. He will make a small opening in the crown of the tooth and remove the pulp tissues. Next, he will shape, clean, and disinfect the root canals and fill them with a rubbery dental material called gutta-percha. The last step is placing a temporary filling to seal the space and prevent infections from recurring.
After root canal therapy, the treated tooth will become brittle and prone to fracture, which is why we usually recommend placing a dental crown. Root canal therapy is highly successful, with a more than 95 percent success rate. With proper oral hygiene care and regular dental exams and cleanings, your treated tooth can last a lifetime.
Root Canal Therapy Near Me in Tyler, TX
If you have a damaged or painful tooth or would like more information about root canal therapy, visit Simon Family Dental today. Dr. Simon and his team will spare no effort to ensure you are comfortable during treatment. We invite you to call our office at 903-213-9799 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!