Root Canal Therapy – Houston, TX

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is often necessary when the innermost layer of a tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or damaged. This can occur due to deep spots of decay or physical trauma to a tooth.

Here are some signs that you might benefit from root canal treatment:

• You have a severe, throbbing toothache.
• A tooth is extremely sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
• A tooth is a darker color than the ones around it.
• You have a pimple-like bump on the gums near a tooth.
• There is visible damage to a tooth.

The Root Canal Process

A root canal treatment removes all infected tissue (the pulp) from the inside of the tooth. The root canals are then thoroughly cleaned and reshaped, and refilled with a material known as gutta-percha. Once healed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling.

While most root canals are successful, some are not. The inside of your tooth contains many nerves, some of which are nearly impossible to detect. If infection remains in the tooth, a persistent ache may indicate the need for additional treatment. A second root canal may be performed after an initially unsuccessful treatment. If not, the endodontist can remove the tip of the infected root with a procedure known as an apicoectomy.

During an apicoectomy, the root of the tooth is exposed with an incision in the gum, and your doctor uses precision tools to remove all inflamed tissue. A filling completes the procedure, and sutures are placed to close the wound.

Both root canal treatment and apicoectomies are performed with the use of plenty of local anesthetic. Many patients also elect to be sedated during their procedure. We want you to be comfortable!

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

Root canal therapy can provide numerous benefits, the most noteworthy if which is that it can prevent the need for a tooth extraction. Not only does this preserve your smile’s natural beauty, but it can also save you money on tooth replacement! Avoiding extractions can also decrease your risk of oral health complications, such as dental drift and further tooth loss.

Additional benefits of root canal therapy include:

• It has a high success rate.
• It is more comfortable than most people believe.
• The results can last for a lifetime with proper care. (Thorough oral hygiene and regular dental visits are both important.)