Root Canal in Dallas & Duncanville, Tx
A root canal is a dental procedure that’s aimed at treating severely decayed teeth. It involves the removal of the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is the soft center of the tooth that’s composed of blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves that promotes tooth growth.
Root canals are important because it’s an effective way to get rid of inflamed pulp. Pulp inflammation is mostly caused by bacterial infection. You can mitigate the pain associated with inflamed pulp and save your teeth from requiring dental implants or bridges.
In this article, we will be explaining in detail what a root canal is, the signs that indicate you need one, its benefits, preparation, aftercare, and all other things you need to know about it.
What Is A Root Canal?
The tooth has two anatomical parts which include the crown and the root. The crown of a tooth is the upper part that’s visible above the gum line while the root is the bottom part that’s below the gum line. It’s the root that anchors the tooth firmly to the mouth.
The root has a canal that contains the pulp. When this pulp is invaded by bacteria it becomes infected and this can cause tooth decay. Besides bacterial infection of the pulp, not practicing good oral hygiene is another cause of tooth decay and damage. Excessively consuming too many sugary and acidic foods and drinks is another thing that can damage the teeth.
Some medical disorders such as severe bruxism can affect the health of your teeth when left untreated. One way to save your teeth from the devastating effects of tooth decay and damage is by undergoing this therapy. It’s one of the most effective dental procedures used to eliminate the infection from the teeth and reinforce whatever is left of your natural tooth.
Signs You May Need A Root Canal
The following signs indicate that you may require this canal therapy.
Persistent Toothache
Tooth decay is linked with persistent pain in the teeth, and their surroundings. It may be coming and going but when it becomes severe and persistent then it’s time to visit your dentist for a root canal.
Sensitivity To Hot And Cold Temperatures.
Another indicator to tell you is tooth sensitivity. This is when you feel pain or discomfort in your teeth in response to stimuli such as hot and cold temperatures. A root tooth canal is the most successful dental procedure to eliminate your tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
Discoloration of The Tooth
A change in the color of your teeth is a sign you may need this dental procedure. Abnormal tooth color can be due to numerous reasons aside from genetics ranging from poor dental hygiene, aging, diseases, and even medications or as a result of decaying dental pulp. If you observe a single tooth discoloration then it’s most likely that you need this treatment.
Swollen Gums
Swollen gums around the tooth may be due to tooth inflammation, gum diseases, infection, or sensitivity to dental products. It’s a relatively common sign that can easily be detected. It can be treated with a quick procedure.
Benefits of Root Canals
Root canals have various benefits, some of which include:
Preserving Natural Teeth
One major function is that it preserves natural teeth. Saving the natural tooth is far more appreciated than an extraction. With this procedure pain and infection affecting the teeth are eliminated and the leftover teeth are fortified to last long and stay healthy.
Preventing Further Decay And Infection
Another benefit you get is that it prevents further decay and infection. This is because the procedure involves the total removal of the bacteria causing the infection such that further tooth damage is prevented in the absence of the bacteria. After the removal of the inflamed pulp, the root canal is thoroughly cleaned and properly disinfected to prevent the decay from spreading further.
Restoring Normal Biting And Chewing Functions
Canal infection and decay result in swelling and that makes the biting and chewing function of the tooth uncomfortable. But with the dental canal procedure done, you can go back to enjoying biting and chewing like you used to before the pulp inflammation.
How To Prepare For Root Canal Treatment?
Now that you know you need a dental treatment, you should also know how to prepare adequately to get good results. Your preparation steps include:
- Avoid drinking and smoking for 24 hours before the procedure.
- Talk to your dentist and ask about anything you want to know about before the treatment.
- Eat good food before a canal treatment to boost recovery as eating immediately after the treatment is slightly uncomfortable.
- Have a good night’s sleep before and after the treatment to improve recovery.
The Root Canal Procedure
The treatment procedure includes the following steps:
Local Anesthesia
The first step in this procedure is the application of local anesthesia to numb the tooth and gum to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure. The dentist may also recommend sedation for you that suffer from dental anxiety.
Accessing The Pulp Chamber
After anesthesia, a tiny hole is made in the crown part of the tooth to allow easy access to the pulp.
Removing The Infected or Damaged Pulp
Once the hole is created, the infected or damaged pulp is removed from the hole.
Filling The Root Canal With A Rubber-like Material
After the removal of the damaged pulp, the root of tooth canal is now empty. The empty one is then filled with flexible rubber-like dental material.
Placing A Crown or Filling To Restore The Tooth’s Structure
Most patients usually require crown placement or filling to help with the restoration of the natural tooth structure.
Recovery Period
Recovery takes about a week and during this recovery period, you may experience mild discomfort that can easily be managed by medications. If you notice severe discomfort that persists for more than a week you should contact your treatment provider.
Caring For The Treated Tooth
- Brush and floss the teeth gently after the treatment.
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods.
- Rinse the mouth frequently to keep the treated area clean.
- Adhere strictly to all the instructions given by the dentist.
Follow-up Appointments
It’s important to schedule a follow-up treatment within six months after treatment so your dentist can check if nothing is going wrong with the treated tooth.
Common Misconceptions About Root Canals
There are certain misconceptions about canal therapy that need to be cleared. They include:
Myth: Root canals are painful
It’s not true. The treatment isn’t painful at all, it also helps that local anesthesia is applied before the treatment is performed.
Myth: Extraction is a better option than root canal treatment
Extraction is not better than a canal treatment. A dental extraction involves the complete removal of the tooth while this root dental canal treatment involves preserving the natural teeth. We’re sure you would love to have your tooth intact rather than a gap in place of it which is why canal therapy is a much better option.
Myth: Root canals cause illness
Despite this widespread myth, you should rest assured that the treatment is to prevent further damage to your teeth. It doesn’t cause any health problems.
Ways To Prevent The Need For A Root Canal
1. Regular Dental Checkups And Cleanings
Visit your dentist frequently to check and clean the teeth helps to prevent any buildups and other things that can cause decay.
2. Practicing Good Oral Hygiene Habits
This is a major way to prevent bacterial infection that can cause you to need a dental treatment. Brush your teeth regularly, floss your teeth also, and rinse them from time to time.
3. Avoiding Hard or Sticky Foods
Eating hard and sticky food is a fast way to damage the teeth. Stay away from hard and sticky foods to prevent a root canal.
Alternative Treatments To Root Canals
Tooth Extraction And Replacement With An Implant or Bridge
An alternative treatment to a root canal is getting an extraction and replacing the removed tooth with an implant or bridge. It helps to eliminate bacterial infection and treat decay but it doesn’t preserve the natural tooth.
Antibiotics For Temporary Relief of Infection
Bacterial infection can also be treated using antibiotics but it only offers temporary relief, unlike the root canal which provides permanent relief.
Cost of the root canal in Dallas, & Duncanville, Tx
The cost of the treatment varies with the type of teeth and they are the most expensive. But generally, this dental treatment can cost about $1,000 to $1,500.
Conclusion
Root canal treatment is one of the best dental procedures to save your natural tooth from the devastating effects of decay. Protect your teeth with proper oral hygiene and frequent checkups. Visit a professional on time for immediate treatment if you’re having any teeth issues to prevent it from being too severe.
FAQs
How long does a root canal take to heal?
It takes about a week or less to heal completely.
Can a root canal be done on a tooth with a filling?
Yes, you can get this treatment when you already have a filling if the need for one arises.
Is it safe to have a root canal during pregnancy in Dallas, & Duncanville, Tx?
It is safe to get during pregnancy.
Can this dental procedure be done on a cracked tooth?
yes, it can be done on cracked teeth, especially if the crack has reached the pulp.
How long does a canal therapy last?
The success rate is about 95% and it can last for a lifetime.
What are the alternatives to root canal treatment?
Alternatives to this treatment include extraction, pulp capping, and the use of antibiotics medications.
Can a root canal fail and what are the signs of failure?
Although it’s not common, it can fail. The signs of its failure include swelling, discharge, and pain.
Can a tooth that has had a root canal get a cavity?
Yes, it’s possible for a tooth that has had a root canal to get a tooth cavity.
Dental DeLite: Best Dental Clinic to Get Root Canals in Dallas, & Duncanville, TX
Root canals are effective ways to prevent further tooth decay and damage while preserving your natural tooth as you won’t need an extraction with this procedure. The best dental practice to get a root canal in Dallas, TX & Duncanville, Tx, is Dental DeLite.
Dental DeLite is a dental clinic with a team of dental professionals that are experienced in providing various dental treatments and services. We apply modern dentistry advancement to provide you with a tolerable root canal procedure with results lasting for long years or even a lifetime.
Contact us today or schedule an appointment with us to have your treatment at our facility in Dallas or Duncanville, TX.
