Don’t Live With Tooth Pain Any Longer
If you’re dealing with tooth pain or sensitivity, root canal therapy may be the solution. This common dental procedure saves natural teeth by treating infection in the tooth pulp and root canal system. Although many people are apprehensive about root canal treatment, it’s a safe, effective way to restore infected teeth and maintain oral health.
Our Denton, TX, dentists explain the basics of root canal treatment to help patients prepare for treatment and feel more at ease going into their procedures. Contact our dental office today by calling (940) 566-4888 to schedule an appointment.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that removes the infected pulp from the tooth’s pulp chamber and root canals. The root canal procedure involves cleaning and shaping the canals before filling and sealing them to prevent reinfection. By removing the infected pulp, root canal therapy can save the affected tooth and avoid the need for extraction.
Each tooth contains a soft inner layer called the pulp, which houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this dental pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can lead to severe pain, swelling, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated. Root canal treatments target these issues, allowing patients to maintain their natural teeth and avoid complications such as bone loss or infections that affect the surrounding bone.
Anatomy of a Tooth
Each tooth consists of three main parts:
- Crown: The crown is the visible part of the tooth above the gum line. It’s covered by a protective layer called enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body.
- Dentin: Beneath the enamel lies the dentin, a yellowish layer that forms the bulk of the tooth structure. Dentin isn’t as hard as enamel but still provides support and protection.
- Pulp: The innermost part of the tooth is known as the pulp. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues, playing a vital role in tooth development during childhood.
When Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?
Root canal therapy may be necessary for several situations, including:
- Dental Decay: When left untreated, a cavity can spread to the tooth’s pulp and cause infection.
- Dental Trauma: A fractured or chipped tooth can allow bacteria to enter the pulp and cause infection.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease can cause pockets around the tooth, allowing bacteria to enter and infect the pulp.
Root canal therapy is often the best way to treat these issues and prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue. Contact our top-rated dentists today.
Signs of Dental Infection
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have a dental infection that requires root canal therapy:
- Severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Pain when chewing or biting
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Drs. Patrick Ruehle and Erika Eide as soon as possible to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
There are many benefits to undergoing root canal treatment, including:
- Saving the Tooth: Root canal therapy can help save a tooth that would otherwise need extraction.
- Relieving Pain: Root canal therapy can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by infection or damage to the pulp.
- Preventing Further Damage: By removing the infected or damaged pulp, root canal therapy can prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue.
- Restoring Function: With a filling in place, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can be fully restored and function like a natural tooth.
Endodontic Treatments
There are several types of endodontic treatment, and the type you receive will depend on your specific dental needs. Common endodontic treatments include:
- Root Canal Therapy: Involves removing the infected or damaged pulp and cleaning and filling the root canal. Once the root canal is filled, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown.
- Apicoectomy: In some cases, root canal therapy may not be enough to treat the infection or damage to the tooth. In these cases, an apicoectomy may be necessary. This involves removing the root’s tip and any infected tissue and sealing the root to prevent further infection.
- Pulp Capping: If the damage to the tooth is minor and hasn’t caused an infection, your dentist may recommend a pulp capping procedure. This involves placing special material over the damaged pulp to help it heal and prevent further damage.
- Regenerative Endodontics: This newer type of root canal therapy helps the damaged pulp in young teeth heal and regenerate. This involves using special materials to stimulate the growth of new pulp tissue and blood vessels in the tooth.
- Root Canal Retreatment: In some cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may become infected again. In these cases, non-surgical root canal retreatment may be necessary to remove the infection and restore the tooth.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
A root canal treatment typically involves several key steps, often completed in just one appointment:
- X-rays: The dentist will take X-rays to assess the shape of the root canals and check for any infection in the surrounding bone. This helps determine the best course of action.
- Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth, ensuring you won’t feel discomfort during the procedure. Many patients find a root canal is similar to getting a filling. If you have dental anxiety, ask about sedation options.
- Pulp Removal (Pulpectomy): A small hole is drilled into the tooth to access the infected pulp. Our Denton dentists will use specialized tools, and in some cases, a Waterlase laser, to thoroughly clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, removing the pulp, bacteria, and any decayed nerve tissue.
- Cleaning and Shaping: The root canals are cleaned, enlarged, and shaped using tiny files. A disinfecting solution may also be used to confirm all bacteria are eliminated.
- Filling the Canals: Once cleaned, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, and sealed with adhesive cement to prevent future infection.
- Temporary Filling: A temporary filling is placed on top of the gutta-percha to protect the tooth until a permanent restoration can be done.
- Restoration (Filling & Crown): After healing, the tooth will be restored with a permanent filling or a custom dental crown to reinforce the tooth structure and seal the top. This step protects the tooth from future damage or infection and restores its full function.
After the procedure, your tooth may feel sensitive for a few days, but over-the-counter painkillers typically provide relief. Contrary to popular belief, most patients report a root canal is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Root canal therapy is considered safe. The treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s root canal and then filling it with a biocompatible material.
Root canal therapy can be done on most teeth, but there may be some exceptions. Teeth with severe decay, extensive damage, or fractures may not be suitable for root canal treatment. In some cases, a tooth may need extraction instead.
Generally, a root canal procedure can be completed in one or two visits. The duration of root canal treatment can vary depending on the tooth’s complexity and the extent of the damage. After the root canal treatment, the tooth may need to be restored with a crown or filling to protect it and restore its function.
Don’t Put Off the Treatment You Need
Root canal therapy may seem intimidating, but with the correct information and a qualified dentist, it can be a safe and effective way to treat various dental problems. By understanding what it is, how it’s done, and when necessary, you can make informed decisions about your dental health and get the care you need to keep your smile healthy and bright.
Call our Denton dental office at (940) 566-4888 to schedule a consultation today. We’re proud to serve patients in Denton and surrounding areas, including Robson Ranch, Corinth, Argyle, and Krum, TX.