A root canal treatment is a procedure we use to save a tooth that has an infection that has reached its pulp. Your tooth comprises of narrow passageways extending from the pulp chamber to the ends of the tooth roots. A root canal in our Plano, TX dental office involves removing decayed or infected tissue from the pulp chamber.
Visit our dentists if you have tooth pain or have visible holes in your teeth. We will first recommend non-surgical treatments to remove the diseased pulp. Root canals are part of our general dental care services in Plano, Texas. A root canal helps save your tooth from extraction and greatly improve your oral health.
Signs You Need a Root Canal
Nobody wants to hear they might need a root canal, but sometimes it’s the best way to save a tooth and stop the pain. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it could be a sign that you need root canal treatment:
- Severe Tooth Pain: If you’ve got a toothache that just won’t quit, it could mean the pulp inside your tooth is infected or damaged. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. The pain can be intense when the pulp is in trouble. A root canal can remove the infection and save your tooth.
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: Does sipping coffee or eating ice cream send a sharp pain through your tooth? Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks could mean the nerve inside your tooth is damaged. If the pain sticks around or gets worse, it’s time to get it checked out.
- Swollen or Tender Gums: Swollen, red, or tender gums could be a sign of infection. Sometimes, you might even notice a bad taste in your mouth or pus around the area. Don’t ignore this because it’s your body’s way of saying something’s wrong.
- Darkening of the Tooth: If a tooth starts to look gray or black, it could mean the pulp inside is dead or severely infected. A root canal removes the damaged tissue and stop the infection from spreading.
The sooner you address a tooth infection, the better. A root canal can save your tooth and prevent the need for more expensive treatments down the road. Extraction might be necessary if we can’t save the tooth, but that’s always our last resort. Either way, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and well taken care of.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
During a root canal, we remove the infected pulp, clean out the root canal system, and seal it up to prevent future problems. You won’t feel a thing during the procedure because we use local anesthesia. Depending on your case, it might take one or more visits. The good news is that root canals have about a 90% success rate, so chances are your tooth will be back to normal in no time.
If we find that a root canal isn’t the best option for your tooth, we’ll let you know during your consultation. Our goal is to keep you comfortable and informed every step of the way.
Your comfort is important to us. We use local anesthesia to make sure you’re pain-free during the procedure. If you’re feeling nervous, we can also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax. After your treatment, you’ll be able to drive yourself home and get back to your usual routine.
Root Canal Treatment FAQs
Maybe you’ve been told you need a root canal but have no idea what that means. Root canals are simple, routine procedures that we perform in our Plano office. We know that dealing with oral issues and tooth discomfort can be stressful. Below, we will answer frequently asked questions regarding non-surgical root canal treatment in Plano, TX.
What happens after a root canal?
After your root canal, your dentist will decide the best way to protect your tooth, usually with a filling or crown. Most people don’t have any issues after treatment, but if you do, we’re here to help. To keep your tooth healthy, stick to good brushing and flossing habits.
How much does a root canal cost?
The cost depends on how bad the damage is and which tooth needs treatment. But in most cases, a root canal is much more affordable than pulling the tooth and replacing it with something artificial.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
The best way to know for sure is to see a dentist. But some signs that might mean you need one include:
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- A dull ache or sharp pain
- Pain that keeps you up at night
If you’re dealing with a nagging toothache, chances are the inside of your tooth is infected or inflamed. A root canal removes the infected tissue so the pain doesn’t get worse and the infection doesn’t spread.
Is there another option besides a root canal?
The only real alternative is pulling the tooth, but saving it is always the better option. Root canals have a success rate of over 90%, and keeping your natural tooth helps avoid issues like shifting teeth, trouble chewing, and bone loss in your jaw. No replacement option is as good as the real thing.
Can I take antibiotics instead of getting a root canal?
Antibiotics can help with swelling, but they won’t fix the problem. The infection inside your tooth won’t go away until the damaged tissue is removed, which is exactly what a root canal does.
What happens during a root canal?
First, we numb the area so you won’t feel a thing. Then, we place a small protective cover around the tooth and clean out the infected part through a tiny opening. Once the area is cleaned and shaped, we fill the space with a special material to seal it off. Finally, we place a temporary filling, and your dentist will later add a permanent filling or crown to protect your tooth.
Does a root canal hurt?
Nope! With modern numbing techniques, most people don’t feel any pain during the procedure. If you have some soreness afterward, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen should do the trick. Once you heal, you’ll be pain-free and your tooth will be back to normal.
Save Your Natural Tooth at Texas Dental
Receive comfortable root canal treatment in our Plano, TX, dental office today. Contact us for a consultation at 972-636-4522. You can also schedule a dental appointment with us on our website.
Please let us know if you have any questions about root canal therapy. We’re here to help you.