Dental pain can sometimes be relieved with a root canal therapy procedure. While good oral health practices and routine cleanings can help prevent the need for treatments, decay or injury may make a root canal necessary.
What is a root canal?
In cases of tooth injury from decay or trauma, your dentist may use a root canal to save the tooth. Underneath the whitish, hard enamel that makes up the outer layer of the tooth is the soft pulp. When the pulp becomes exposed, it may become infected by bacteria found naturally in the mouth, causing pain, difficulty chewing, and further damage to the tooth. A root canal removes the pulp and replaces it with an inert material, sealing the tooth.
When to see a doctor?
It’s important to schedule your appointment whenever you suffer pain or discomfort when chewing or biting, experience temperature sensitivity, or have suffered any injury to your teeth. An injured tooth is vulnerable to further damage. Even the pressure of regular chewing can crack or break more pieces off an injured tooth, so it’s important to get to your dentist as soon as possible.
Root Canal Procedure
When it’s determined that a root canal is the best way to save your injured tooth, the dentist will start by administering a local anesthetic and additional sedation, if necessary. Once the dentist completely anesthetizes the area, the inside of the tooth—the pulp—is removed with a series of tools, including small drills. Suction is used to remove any loose material from the inside of the tooth before it is packed with an inert material, preventing the nerve from being exposed to the air. With the filler material in place, the tooth can be sealed. Once the filling is completely set and hardened, you should be able to chew and speak normally.
Visit Us
Visit our offices at Hallock Family Dental whenever you need dental care, routine cleanings, or have a dental emergency. We offer both regularly scheduled appointments for cleaning and other routine care, and walk-in emergency services in case of an injury or a toothache. Visit our offices in Allen or McKinney today.