5 Essential Things You Need to Know About Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic treatment, or commonly known as a root canal, is a treatment that involves clearing an infection affecting the dental pulp. The treatment is usually associated with a lot of pain, but it’s not painful at all. It is as painless as other dental procedures. In this blog, we will discuss more about the treatment so you can know when to go for it.
When Endodontic Treatment is Necessary
If you have an infection affecting the dental pulp, root canal therapy may the only way to treat it. When the pulp is infected, it leads to a lot of discomfort and pain. If you go for too long without seeking professional help, the tooth will fall off. If your tooth cannot be saved through the treatment, the dentist 77007 will need to extract it to stop the infection from spreading.
Signs that You May Need an Endodontic Treatment
Root canal therapy saves many teeth from extraction if the infection is noticed early enough. To ensure you notice an infection before it weakens the tooth too much, be on the lookout for the following signs:
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
- Abscessed tooth. The abscess can lead to bleeding or swelling around the affected tooth.
- Jaw pain.
- Gum disease.
- Sinus congestion leading to pain while chewing
- Deep cavity extending to the pulp
- Trauma affecting the root of a tooth
- Tooth fracture
If you notice any of the above signs, contact your dentist ASAP. The earlier you get checked, the higher the chances of saving your natural tooth. Please always remember that nothing can replace your natural tooth, so always it the best protection. You can count on us if you require a root canal therapy in Houston, TX.
Root Canal Procedure
The procedure is usually completed in three stages/steps.
Cleaning the Root Canal
The dentist will inject local anesthesia in your mouth to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure. He will then remove everything from the root canal, including the infection. He will then make a small hole on your tooth’s surface and use it to remove the diseased and dead pulp tissues.
Filling the Root Canal
The dentist will use specific solutions to clean the “small hole” before filling it with rubber-like aesthetic material. The tooth will look pretty much healed, but you should never use it for anything before the addition of a crown or filling. The pulp will be dead, and the affected tooth cannot feel any pain or sensitivity.
Adding a Crown or Filling
After the dentist removes the infection, and the nerve is dead, your tooth is fragile like never before. That’s why it is crucial to add a crown or dental filling to strengthen it. The dentist will add a suitable option, and from there, you can use your teeth normally.
The filling is usually done in one appointment. However, if you have curved or multi-canals, it can take two or more appointments. Talk to us if you require endodontic treatment in Houston, TX.
Endodontic Treatment Complications
Root canal therapy is usually very successful, but it doesn’t mean it is perfect. In some cases, the dentist may fail to notice all the root canals, meaning the infection continues spreading. The dentist may also fail to appropriately fill the “small hole”, encouraging the return of the infection. Some signs of root canal failure include:
- Uncontrollable swelling
- Boil on your jaw
- Affected tooth discoloration
- Increased sensitivity
- Pain that won’t go away even after taking painkillers for weeks
- Discharge from the affected tooth
If you notice any of those signs after a root canal treatment, talk to your dentist ASAP. We can help you if you need a dentist in Houston, TX. Our Houston dentist near me is always happy to help.
Root Canal Treatment Cost
A lot of people have chosen to extract a tooth that can be saved because they’ve been led to believe that the root canal is super expensive. Well, that’s not the case. A root canal is relatively affordable, and it is worth every dollar. At Heights BLVD Dentistry, our charges are pocket-friendly, and the services are always of the highest quality.
The Dentists at 650 Heights
If you require exceptional dental services in Houston, TX, you are in the right place. You can count on us with a root canal, cosmetic, and restorative procedures. Book an appointment now.