What is the Purpose of a Root Canal?
In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you would probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called root canal treatment, we can save your tooth and eliminate the pain. Root canals are a relatively simple procedure involving one to three office visits. Best of all, having a root canal when necessary can bring back your smile!
Dental Health and Root Canals
A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory – to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.
When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue, and germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. If left untreated, an abscess may form. If you don’t remove the infected tissue, it can result in pain and swelling. The infection can injure your jawbones and be detrimental to your overall health. Without the proper treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.
What are the Signs That a Root Canal is Needed?
Teeth that require root canal therapy are not always painful. However, signs you may need a root canal include severe toothache, pain upon chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity or pain in response to hot and cold temperatures, a dark discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact us.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment involves one to three visits. During treatment, Dr. Clark and his team will remove the affected tissue. Next, the interior of the tooth will be cleaned and sealed. Finally, we fill the tooth with a dental composite. If your tooth has extensive decay, we may suggest placing a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from breakage.
Following a root canal treatment, following aftercare instructions is crucial to care for the affected tooth properly. Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some tenderness or soreness near the area of your mouth where treatment took place. Taking over-the-counter painkillers can help reduce any potential discomfort, and we recommend that you stick to a soft food diet until the area has completely healed. It is also essential to keep up with regular brushing, but take caution when cleaning around the affected area. Flossing should be avoided for at least one week after root canal treatment. Try using an interdental brush instead, as it is gentle yet effective in removing plaque and maintaining oral hygiene in areas that are difficult to reach. Finally, try not to bite down on hard, chewy food like nuts or gum, as this may further tighten and further reaggravate the area until it has fully recovered.
Root Canal Therapy in Midlothian and Cedar Hill, Texas
In the end, you should have your precious smile back! Your restored tooth can last a lifetime if you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups. So don’t be afraid of dental health, and take care of yourself. Get started on achieving the perfect smile by booking an appointment today at Clark Dental Group!
