A Step-by-step Guide to Having a Root Canal

Root Canal Houston, TX

A root canal is a restorative procedure that can save a tooth from severe infection. If you are experiencing extreme pain in your mouth, you may need this treatment. This is no process to dread despite what you have heard about it. Your dentist will take great care to make you feel at ease. Do not put off speaking to your dentist about repairing your teeth. This endodontic procedure can be effective at cleaning out your affected tooth and making your mouth healthy once more.

When people need a root canal

Underneath a tooth’s layer of enamel and dentin is a chamber known as the pulp. Inside this are blood vessels, nerve endings and connective tissue that nourish the tooth. When these two layers wear away, the pulp becomes prone to infection. Without proper and fast action, the bacteria can spread throughout the tooth and to the neighboring tooth as well. Eventually, a person’s face could swell, leading to more significant health problems. In this endodontic treatment, the dentist removes the infection and decay, making the tooth whole once more.

Evaluation

Most people who need this procedure begin feeling intense pains in their mouth and notice swollen tender gums. There may be some sensitivity to hot or cold. Other patients have a chipped or fractured tooth. When a person has these symptoms, there should be an immediate call to the dentist. At the dentist’s office, the following will occur:

  • The dentist will ask the patient additional questions about their symptoms
  • The dentist will examine the patient’s mouth
  • The dentist will take X-rays

Cleaning

In the most serious circumstances, the dentist may perform the root canal right after the exam. Sometimes, the dentist will prefer to set up another appointment and invite the patient back a few days or weeks later. In the following step, the dentist will drill into the patient’s tooth down to the pulp. The root canal professional then removes the pulp and clears out any infection and decay. There will be an injection of medication to kill the remaining bacteria.

Sealing the tooth

Once the tooth has no more infection, the dentist will close it up. If the tooth is broken or damaged in any other way, the dentist will put a crown or cap on top. The cap will be the same color as the tooth and will closely resemble surrounding teeth. This often happens at a subsequent appointment once any soreness has worn off. The dentist will then follow up with the patient in the days and weeks following the procedure to make sure the tooth is feeling good.

Time to see the dentist

Watch carefully for the signs of tooth infection. If your pulp has these issues, you need to act fast and let your dentist know. The longer you wait, the more likely further health issues could develop. In a couple of appointments, your dentist can provide an effective solution to this condition and mend your ailing tooth. Speak to the dental staff today so you can take care of this painful situation.

Request an appointment here: https://www.drbrucematson.com or call Bruce Matson, DDS at (713) 481-4626 for an appointment in our Houston office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Houston, TX.

 

Recent Posts

The Root Canal Procedure Explained: Step-by-Step

A root canal removes the interior living tissues of a tooth in order to combat infection or address damage. While it is not a dentist’s first choice, it can be necessary when no other options will save the tooth. If you are scheduled for a root canal, you may have heard that this procedure causes…

The Root Canal: Is It The Best Option Or Is There Another Way?

Root canal. Medieval torture. Both phrases make even the bravest of us a little queasy, but root canals are actually legal. Our natural response to, "You need a root canal," is, "Do I have to?"If you have ever considered putting up with an aching tooth forever just to avoid a root canal, this article is…

How To Prepare For A Root Canal Treatment

Getting a root canal may seem to be a daunting task to most, as there are numerous rumors about root canals being a painful procedure. However, contrary to popular belief, when done right, a root canal should be a totally painless procedure and nothing to be scared of.Root canals are designed to alleviate pain, restore…

Important First Steps If You Have A Dental Emergency

Anyone who has experienced a Dental Emergency can attest it is not fun. Not only is it painful, but it can also be scary. Even those who take good care of their teeth can experience a dental trauma, but the situation can be less stressful if one knows what to do.Following the appropriate steps can…

Recent Posts

What Happens After Dental Implant Surgery?

What Happens After Dental Implant Surgery?

There are certain things the patient should do when preparing for dental implant surgery. Also, understanding how the aftercare process works can help the patient prepare mentally and physically and make the process go as smoothly and easily as possible. This review offers a detailed insight into what happens after dental implant surgery. After dental implant…

The Root Canal Procedure Explained: Step By Step

The Root Canal Procedure Explained: Step-by-Step

A root canal removes the interior living tissues of a tooth in order to combat infection or address damage. While it is not a dentist’s first choice, it can be necessary when no other options will save the tooth. If you are scheduled for a root canal, you may have heard that this procedure causes…