Root canal therapy may sound intimidating, but the process is actually quite simple to understand, and modern techniques have made it a fast, minimally-invasive process. Got questions about root canals in Houston? Get answers in this blog from EaDo Family Dental.
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment that’s used to restore infected teeth. A tooth infection occurs when the hard, outer layers of dentin and enamel are destroyed by oral trauma or tooth decay.
When this happens, the “pulp” inside the tooth can become infected by oral bacteria. The pulp is full of the blood vessels and nerves that keep your tooth alive. As the infection progresses, the pulp dies, and the tooth will eventually die without treatment.
A root canal is used to prevent this. In this process, the tooth is opened up, the inside is cleaned and sanitized, and the tooth is filled and capped with a crown. This removes the source of the infection, and preserves your natural tooth.
How Do I Know If I Need A Root Canal?
The most common sign of an infected tooth is a painful toothache that lasts for more than one or two days. You may also notice that the tooth feels sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks, or that it’s tender when you chew.
In some cases, you may also notice inflammation of the gums near the tooth, or discoloration of the tooth itself. If you notice any of these signs, you should schedule an appointment at EaDo Family Dental right away to get the help you need.
What Can I Expect From The Process?
First, Dr. Ma or Dr. Williams will clean the treatment area and numb your mouth. Sedation can be administered, if necessary. Then, they will drill away any damaged tooth material and create a small opening in the tooth’s surface.
The interior of the tooth will be cleaned with special tools to remove decayed and infected pulp, then the tooth will be flushed with disinfectant. Next, it’s filled with “gutta-percha,” a rubbery material that replaces the pulp. After this, the tooth will be restored with a filling or a temporary dental crown, completing the procedure.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Root Canal?
Since the process is minimally-invasive, there is no recovery time. You can get back to your day-to-day activities right away. You may feel a bit of tooth soreness and tenderness for a few days, but this is normal. However, you should contact us for a follow-up if you still feel pain 1-2 weeks after treatment.
Contact Us To Schedule A Consultation In Houston
If you’ve got a toothache that won’t go away, you may need root canal therapy from Dr. Bianca Williams or Dr. John Ma to restore your smile. So don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (713) 474-2334 to schedule a consultation, and get the dental care you need in Houston.
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