What is Root Canal Therapy?
When the soft inner section of the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected, the entire tooth begins to die. A root canal treatment by Frisco general dentist, Dr. Camelia Cooper, removes the pulp from the tooth to stop the infection from continuing and spreading to the other teeth. The root canal will also relieve the patient’s pain and allow proper healing. Once the pulp is removed, Dr. Cooper will need to use a filling material inside the tooth or place a crown over the tooth to protect it from damage and future infections. A root canal will also stop the bacteria from entering the blood and infecting other parts of the body. Patients at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft with heart problems, including congenital defects and artificial heart valves, are at higher risk of developing an infection and should take antibiotics before and after their root canal treatment.
What are the benefits of a root canal?
There are many benefits to a root canal treatment, including:
- Prevention of tooth loss
- Decreased risk of infection
- Improvement of overall dental health and tooth appearance
- Comfortable, quick treatment
- Prevention of deterioration of the jawbone
Root Canal Therapy Reviews
Do I Need A Root Canal?
Diseased tooth pulp might be caused by extreme cavities, a crack, or a wound. Dr. Cooper can take an x-ray and perform a dental exam to decide if a root canal or a different treatment is needed to soothe tooth pain and recover your oral health. Common signs that may indicate the need for a root canal include intense or throbbing tooth pain, other lasting dental discomfort, pain from biting, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. You may also notice puffiness concentrated on the face or gumline, a large boil around the gumline, or discoloration of a tooth after an injury.
What Can I Expect with a root canal?
Before the root canal begins, Dr. Cooper will numb the patient’s teeth and gums with a local anesthetic, as well as nitrous oxide gas for further patient comfort and relaxation if needed. Once the patient is prepared, Dr. Cooper will carefully remove the pulp from the decayed tooth, both the visible portion of the tooth and the root below the gum line. After the tooth is removed, Dr. Cooper will place a crown or filling material to strengthen and protect the treated tooth.
What should I do after a root canal?
After the root canal treatment, the patient’s lips and gums will remain numb for a few hours, but the patient will be able to drive and leave to recover at home. If the patient is feeling any pain after the procedure, they can take an over-the-counter painkiller, following the instructions on the label. If Dr. Cooper placed a temporary crown over the tooth, the patient will return after the permanent crown is created and sent back to Sweet Tooth Dental Loft. Dr. Cooper will then place the crown and check the fit. The patient should return for annual dental exams and professional cleanings twice a year, or as recommended by Dr. Cooper.
Root canal therapy FAQs
Does a root canal hurt?
It's common for patients to be concerned about root canal therapy because they're afraid of pain. Rest assured that Dr. Cooper performs each treatment with the utmost care. Patients are also given a strong numbing agent to keep them comfortable throughout the process. After a few hours, the numbing wears off, and you'll feel normal again.
Do I need a root canal or a tooth extraction?
A tooth that has been damaged from decay or trauma may need a root canal in order to save an otherwise healthy tooth. However, an extraction may be a better option if the tooth is not salvageable. The professionals at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft will examine the affected tooth and discuss the safest and most effective treatment options for your needs.
How successful are root canals?
The goal of a root canal is to save a tooth and return it to a healthy, functioning state. Research has shown that root canal treatment is successful in most cases. Our Frisco, TX dental clinic is proud to offer top-of-the-line tools and technologies to increase your chances of success.
Stop Dental Infections
If you have a toothache or infection, make an appointment to have Dr. Cooper look at your tooth and talk about treatments, including a root canal. A root canal at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft in Frisco can prevent more serious dental problems and relieve your pain.
