How Do You Know If You Need A Root Canal?

Problems like tooth sensitivity and sharp pain in your tooth can make your life hell. These problems might be caused by tooth decay. So when you go to the endodontics in Houston, the dentist might recommend a root canal. This might surprise you, but the truth is that when a dentist recommends this procedure, he does when the tooth’s roots have been severely damaged.

Knowing when you need a root canal is essential. This is because, by the time you suspect something is wrong with your tooth, the dentist might try and save your tooth’s roots by reducing the infection. This piece will provide all the needed information about root canal procedures. So, let’s get into it.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment to remove the infected or inflamed pulp from your tooth. The procedure aims at removing an infected pulp that cannot be treated. The good thing about this procedure is that a mature tooth can survive without the pulp. So, removing it will not affect the tooth as the surrounding tissues will nourish it.

Here are signs that you need to see a dentist who performs root canals near you:

• Cracked or chipped tooth- eating hard foods and tooth trauma are some of the causes of having a cracked tooth. When your tooth gets cracked, the tooth’s nerves are exposed. The cracked space can also provide an area for bacteria to penetrate. This can lead to infection of the tooth’s nerves.
• Pimples on the gums.
• Sharp pain when biting or chewing.
• Persistent tooth sensitivity when taking hot or cold foods and drinks- do you feel some discomfort whenever you drink hot coffee or tea? On the other hand, you might feel discomfort when taking cold beverages too.
• Tender or swollen gums- when you notice swollen gums, this might indicate a problem beneath. Moreover, the gums can also be painful whenever you brush your teeth.
• Dark gums or teeth- when a nerve in your tooth is damaged, no blood goes into your tooth. Because of this, the tooth begins to darken.
• Deep decay on the base of your tooth- have you tried brushing a dark matter on your tooth? Did it come off? If not, the deep decay on the base of your tooth might indicate that decay has reached the nerve and root of your tooth.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

When you visit the endodontist who performs root canals in Houston, they will first carry out a dental exam. Then, X-rays are taken to see the extent of the damage. After the dentist has determined the extent of the damage, they will administer local anesthesia.

The endodontist will isolate the affected tooth and keep it free from saliva. After doing so, the endodontist will make an incision on the affected tooth’s crown. Next, the dentist will use special instruments to clean the pulp and root canals. Once the canals are clean, the endodontist will fill the canals with gutta-percha, a dental material safe for your gums and teeth.

The dentist utilizes cement with the gutta-percha to completely seal the root canals. Then, a temporary filling can be used to close the incision made by the endodontist. Once the wound is healed, you will go for a second visit where a tooth crown or any other suitable dental restoration.

What Are the Pros of Root Canal Procedure?

There are several advantages of opting for root canal therapy. First, root canal treatment prevents the spread of infection to other healthy teeth. When you go for this treatment, the dentist will remove the severely infected roots and clean the area. Doing so prevents the spread of the bacteria to other places.

Root canal treatment eases the symptoms linked with an infected tooth. An infected tooth causes pain and bleeding, and you might also notice a foul smell from your gums. Root canal treatment ensures that all bleeding from the gums has been stopped and alleviates pain.

The bacteria that spreads into your tooth’s root can also affect your jawbone. This is why you should go to Mi Casa Dental so that our dentist can stop the bacteria from spreading and compromising your jawbone.

Root canal treatment removes the need for a tooth removal. Once the dentist controls the spread of bacteria, your tooth is restored, and there is no need for tooth extraction.