Your general dentist may have told you that you need root canal therapy. You may be wondering what happens when you get a root canal. The way general dentists do root canal therapy is not the same as it once was. It is a routine procedure that dentists use to remove the infection from a tooth in an effort to save it. Here are some commonly asked questions about root canal therapy.
Sometimes, a tooth becomes so infected that bacteria enter into the root area of the tooth. General dentists work to save the tooth and use the root canal procedure to attempt to clear out the infection. The dentist will remove the infected tissue and disinfect the area. Then the dentist will seal the area off to prevent reinfection. Root canals are very common — general dentists do millions of root canals each year.
There are many reasons why a patient may need a root canal. Patients who are teeth grinders can end up with cracked teeth. Cracked teeth can be very painful. Before restoring the tooth, the dentist will clean out the tooth and often perform a root canal to ensure there is no infection before sealing off the tooth. But it is not only a cracked tooth that may need a root canal. Patients who have large cavities or extensive tooth decay can try a root canal to save the tooth.
Some people do not experience severe pain in the affected tooth. But sensitivity to hot and cold items even after the item is out of the mouth can be an indicator. Chipped and cracked teeth are prime candidates, but the dentist will examine the tooth to determine if an infection is present yet or not. Pimples along the gum near the tooth can appear when there is an infection present. Gums can also be swollen or appear darker as the decay worsens. Tooth decay can contribute to bad breath, even with brushing and flossing.
There are many options for tooth restoration, so people often wonder why it is important to get a root canal. General dentists want to help people retain natural teeth for as long as possible. Retaining natural teeth helps patients keep a normal bite pattern and feel. Keeping natural teeth in place can prevent abnormal wear and tear on the other teeth. Root canals help people to restore better oral health without the need for tooth extraction and a further dental restoration like an implant. Clearing out infection is important for comfort and long-term oral health because it can prevent infection from spreading into the jawbone or other teeth.
Your dentist will examine your mouth and can determine if you could benefit from a root canal. It is a common procedure that your dentist has likely done many times. Root canal therapy can help you get back on the road to good oral health with a short recovery time. Talk to your dentist about whether this procedure can help you resolve a tooth infection issue.
Request an appointment here: https://www.highlandsdentaldallas.com or call Highlands Family Dentistry at (214) 491-5362 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Dallas, TX.
A general dentist is the best source to ask when looking for ways to prevent a toothache. Scheduling an appointment for a toothache is one activity we would love to avoid. We all know that we should go to the dentist every six months to prevent cavities, but there are times when toothaches decide to…
Having cavities is one of the main reasons patients seek out the help of their dentist. Although you should go to your dentist regularly, many patients don't take the time for several reasons. However, it is difficult to ignore a cavity. It is not unusual for people to see their dentist because their cavity has…
In the field of general dentistry, fluoride is an effective tool for combatting tooth decay and preserving the health of a smile. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many substances, including bones and tooth enamel. It serves a variety of purposes in the dental world, including supporting healthy tooth enamel, combating harmful bacteria,…
How do I go about replacing lost teeth? This is a common question in dental offices, as millions of Americans suffer from tooth loss. Advances in dental technology and procedures have given patients more options in dealing with tooth loss. But before getting into details on replacing lost teeth, you may be wondering some general…
Invisalign® allows people to straighten their teeth without needing the metal brackets and wires with conventional braces. Invisalign trays are transparent and almost undetectable on the teeth. However, what exactly are those trays composed of? Continue reading to discover more about how the trays' material and design move your teeth around.Invisalign clear aligners, often known…
Dentists have a wide selection of techniques and tools available for helping patients achieve the smile makeover desired. A lack of confidence in one’s smile can cramp a social life, cause insecurities, or keep an individual from meeting life’s full potential out of embarrassment or anxiety. There are many benefits to having a smile redone,…