Root Canal Treatment – Oak Point, TX
Saving Teeth by Removing Infection
A tooth is made of various chambers, canals, and tissues, but the innermost layer – the pulp – is made up of nerves and blood vessels. Although tooth enamel is designed to be the hardest substance in the body, it can sustain damage and infection if you’re not careful. This can lead to intense pain that cannot be treated any other way than with root canal treatment. The Elegant Dentistry team is here to provide safe and comfortable care to ensure that you walk away from your procedure no longer in pain but with your natural tooth healthier and firmly in place. Don’t be afraid to call our office if you have questions about root canal treatment.
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
If you are suffering from any of the following issues, there is a good chance you will be recommended for a root canal:
- Gum inflammation
- Tooth discoloration
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Pain throughout the tooth and/or face
- Loose tooth
- Difficulty eating or chewing
Our team will first evaluate the status of your smile to determine the extent of the infection or damage. Based on our findings, we will craft a personalized plan that details how we will approach treatment as well as what kind of aftercare you can expect when you return home.
The Root Canal Process
The root canal process is fairly straightforward. Our team will begin by making sure you are comfortable by administering local anesthesia. This will numb appropriate areas of your mouth. We will then use what is known as a dental dam to isolate the tooth so that it is the only area exposed for treatment. Using this device helps to keep moisture away from the tooth.
When ready, we will make a small hole in the crown of the tooth that will grant us access to the inner layers. From there, we will begin to clear out any decayed or diseased tissues as well as remove the infected pulp. We’ll then flush out the tooth and sterilize it to ensure that no bacteria remain.
Before sealing the tooth from possible reinfection, we will fill it with a biocompatible substance known as gutta-percha. Once it is sealed, we will place a temporary crown over the compromised tooth so that it remains protected while your permanent crown is produced.
Within a few weeks, you will return to our office to receive your finalized restoration.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Far too many people assume that root canals are painful procedures that should be avoided at all costs, but the truth is that they are highly effective in saving teeth from extraction. They also do not cause pain but instead, remove it! The infection is the source of the discomfort, so taking the pulp out alleviates the problem.
But that isn’t the only benefit of getting a root canal. Others include:
- The ability to keep your natural tooth longer.
- A smile that contains a natural-looking dental crown that offers protection, function, and aesthetics.
- The ability to eat the foods you love while also speaking clearly.
- A highly cost-effective option, as you’ll save more receiving a root canal than having an extraction and undergoing tooth replacement.
Root Canal FAQs
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
No two people are the same, so determining how long you can expect your recovery to take will be based on the complexity of the procedure and whether you take proper care of yourself after your surgery. On average, most people can return to work or school the following day; however, you will need to think about the type of job you have and whether it requires a lot of movement and physical activity. If so, you’ll likely need to take a few additional days off of work to allow for proper healing.
Can I eat before a root canal?
If you do not require any sedation before your procedure, you’ll want to eat a filling meal before arriving for your appointment. Make sure it does not consist of greasy or fatty foods but instead is rich in nutrients. This will help to keep you full after surgery, especially since eating will be challenging at first. If you plan to receive any kind of sedation, it’s best to eat your last meal a few hours before your procedure, as it can cause you to become nauseous if you don’t.
Is it better to just pull the tooth?
This is a common question many people ask because it is believed that removing the tooth will fix the problem. This is not always true. If the tooth can be saved, you can expect our team to do just that. It’s always best to keep natural teeth in place, as they can offer greater function. With a root canal, we can easily treat the problem and protect the tooth using a customized dental crown that can last 10-15 years. However, by removing the tooth, you will need to replace it with a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant. Any of these solutions are effective but will also carry a financial investment over time.
Is it possible to prevent a root canal?
Absolutely. By choosing to take better care of your teeth at home with good oral hygiene habits and continuing to see your dentist every six months for a regular checkup and cleaning, you will find that the chances of decay, cavities, gum disease, and infection are lowered. Also, your food choices can make a significant difference in the health and overall state of your smile, so make sure to choose nutrient-rich items, like leafy greens and lean meats over sugars and starches.
