Root canal in Plano Texas
When dental pains starts, having a tooth pulled could cause you concern. Fortunately, there are many different ways our Plano TX dentists can help you save your natural teeth, including root canal therapy. Wonder what root canal therapy treatment is? Keep reading.
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy involves the removal of the infected or inflamed pulp material, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue from the center of your tooth, leaving the outer tissues of the tooth.
Since this leaves the tooth without its central support material, the newly disinfected root will get filled with a composite resin. After the tooth is filled, a temporary filling goes over the top until you get the permanent crown. Once you receive the crown, you can just practice great oral hygiene to keep your tooth in fantastic shape.
When do you need root canal therapy?
If you have infection and inflammation of the pulp it will require a root canal. People experience a wide variety of symptoms, such as:
- Severe pain while eating or biting
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swollen and painful gums
- Darkening of the gum tissue
A cracked or chipped tooth is often the first sign of a problem. The break in the outer layer of the tooth allows bacteria inside which causes the infection to develop, resulting in any or all of the symptoms above.
When you experience and of these symptoms it’s important to see your our dentists in Plano TX to find and fix the cause. When you report your symptoms early, you help minimize the amount of time you’re feeling discomfort and increase the chance of saving the tooth instead of having to get a dental implant.
When to expect during root canal therapy
To determine if your tooth needs a root canal, call to schedule an evaluation. Our Plano Texas dentist will perform an exam, x-rays, and other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of oral discomfort. If a root canal is needed, you can expect to go through the following treatment steps.
The dentist will examine the tooth using x-rays, then administer a local anesthetic. After the tooth is numbed, the dentist places a small protective sheet called a dental dam to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the root canal procedure. The dentist will create a small opening in the top of the tooth to allow the removal of the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.
With all the infected or inflamed pulp removed, the space will be cleaned, shaped and filled with a biocompatible material. The material is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening.
The dentist will then create dental impressions to send them to the lab to have your permanent crown created. Most crowns take about one to two weeks to create, depending on the lab’s workload.
Once the lab has sent the crown to the dentist, you will need to return to the dentist to have the permanent crown placed on the tooth to protect and restore the tooth’s full function.
After getting your crown, you can resume eating and drinking like normal. Just be sure to keep up on your at-home dental care routine and come in regularly for teeth cleaning services to preserve your natural teeth.
Need help saving your natural teeth? Call Haight Family Dental in Plano or Melissa TX
If you’re experiencing any of the signs that you need a root canal, call our Plano TX dental clinic at 972-527-5555 to schedule a visit. Our dental team will help you find a convenient time to come into the clinic and get the care you deserve. We’ll set up an exam and consultation appointment, so you can learn what’s going on with your teeth and decide how to proceed. So, please feel free to schedule online or call any time you have dental care concerns.