Despite their bad reputation for being painful, you have nothing to fear. Dentistry undergoes continual improvements, allowing root canals to be virtually pain-free. You can sit back and relax while we preserve your tooth and relieve your discomfort.
Root canal therapy is one of the top restorative procedures performed annually, but it is only recommended when there aren’t any other solutions to save a tooth from extraction. The endodontic procedure removes the inner layer of the tooth, called the pulp. While the pulp is necessary as the tooth forms, it can survive without it once it has fully developed. By doing so, it stops decay and infection from spreading to safeguard your smile and general health. Although every situation differs, common signs you may need a root canal include:
Lingering tooth sensitivity
Darkening of the tooth
Persistent toothache
Pimple-like bump near the tooth
After an initial consultation, your dentist in Vancouver City will create a personalized treatment plan. We’ll use a local numbing agent to block any pain. If you need a little extra help to relax, we also offer sedation dentistry.
Once you are comfortable, any areas of damage are removed. The pulp is extracted and the root canals will be cleaned using special dental instruments. Your tooth is then sterilized before being sealed with a material called gutta-percha. It will prevent bacteria from reaching inside of the tooth, while also reinforcing its structure.
You may also require a dental crown, which is a custom-made cap that covers the tooth down to the gum line. It provides an added layer of protection while also restoring the tooth’s appearance and function. We’ll use a digital impression system to get precise measurements for your restoration. The information is sent to the dental lab, where they’ll design your crown to look just like your real tooth. This can take a couple of weeks, so you’ll need a temporary crown in the meantime. After the dental lab has finished your crown, you’ll return to have it bonded to your tooth.
Modern restorations are made of all-ceramic material to blend in with your smile. Although it is not made of metal, your crown can last for a decade or more with the right aftercare, like brushing and flossing.
Don’t wait to get a root canal, or you might lose your tooth. With quick treatment, you’ll benefit from several advantages, including:
State-of-the-art technology
Preserve your natural smile
Improve your oral and general health
Avoid the complications of tooth loss
High success rate with long-term results
If you’re ready to treat your problematic tooth, it is time to contact our office. We’ll create the individualized plan you need to stop your discomfort, so you can focus on more important matters.
Despite significant advancements in both technology and dentistry, root canal therapy continues to be one of the most feared procedures. For this reason, many patients are surprised when they learn just how straightforward and pain-free the procedure is. That’s why shedding light on the truths of this tooth-saving treatment is so important. To learn the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about root canals in Vancouver City, read on!
One poorly designed study in the 1920s initiated the popular myth that root canals can make you sick. There are a few important things to remember: there is no scientific evidence that links root canal therapy to an increased risk of disease and the original theory has been debunked several times. Furthermore, postponing this tooth-saving treatment can actually lead to the spread of the infection throughout your mouth and your body.
While the procedure itself will start with a powerful numbing agent, making the experience pain-free, some discomfort during the recovery period is normal. The good news is that any soreness that does arise should be short-lived and subside within two or three days. In the meantime, you can use a cold compress, rinse with a mixture of salt and warm water, and take an OTC pain reliever. It’s also a good idea to stick to softer foods, like bananas, soup, and yogurt.
Before your root canal, you should refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking. Instead, get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water, and eat a nutrient-dense meal. If you are using dental sedation to stay calm during your procedure, then we may recommend specific instructions, like arranging for a trusted adult to drive you home afterward.
In short, the answer is “no.” Since antibiotics cannot reach the pulp of the tooth, they cannot effectively treat the infection. The only way to restore both the look and function of your tooth is to see your Texas City dentist for the recommended treatment, like root canal therapy.
Waiting too long to get a root canal can have negative consequences on both your oral health and your wallet. Essentially, postponing treatment allows the root of the problem to wreak havoc on the surrounding teeth and gums in the meantime. In many cases, this requires a more extensive procedure, like a tooth extraction. So, it’s best for your smile, your overall health, and your bank account to schedule the root canal sooner rather than later.
