Root canal FAQ A severely damaged tooth that can be saved may require a root canal treatment. Often, many think that when their tooth is damaged, the only option they have is to pull it out. However, saving a tooth is the first thing a dentist wants to do. It is only after exploring tooth-saving options that a dentist may decide to pull the tooth out. Luckily, many damaged teeth can be saved with a root canal procedure. Our dentist at Duggan Endodontics will look at the damage or infection to determine if a root canal can help. Who Needs Root Canal Therapy?If the soft tissue found inside a root canal is infected or inflamed, root canal therapy may be required. The soft tissue is known as the pulp and is usually the area that hosts the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It is for this reason that you find an infection or damage to the pulp leads to severe pain. Left untreated, a pulp inflammation or infection can contribute to an abscess or pain. What Are Signs You May Need a Root Canal?If you have severe pain when biting or chewing, a dentist may consider root canal therapy. Other signs that you need a root canal treatment are a badly chipped or cracked tooth, pimples on the gum tissue, and lingering sensitivity to things like cold and hot substances, even after removing the sensation. Swollen and tender gums or deep decay and darkening gums are other symptoms indicating the need to have a root canal treatment. What is Involved in the Root Canal Procedure?The reason our dentist performs root canal therapy is to save a tooth and stop further damage. Once the dentist removed the damaged or infected pulp, they will clean and shape the hole or root canal and fill and seal the area. You will come back to our office at a later appointment to get a crown to help protect the tooth and restore its full function. Once you have a root canal and a crown, your tooth continues to function just as it did before the infection or inflammation. How Do I Protect My Tooth After a Root Canal?When the pulp has been removed and a temporary filling placed waiting for a crown placement, you need to take precautions to prevent damaging the temporary filling. You should avoid chewing or biting on that tooth until a crown is placed. The uncrowned tooth is prone to fracture, therefore, you need to get the full restoration of crowning as soon as possible. Make sure you maintain good oral care at home. Brush and floss and remember to get back to our office for checkups and cleanings. Last but not least, ensure you eat soft food since they require little chewing. You can eat fish, eggs, applesauce, and yogurt. Also, avoid hot or hard foods since they could hurt the tooth. Have More FAQ's About Root Canals?If you are wondering whether root canal therapy can benefit you or a member of your family, visit us at Duggan Endodontics. We want to ensure that your natural teeth stay in place as long as possible and that is why we would do everything to save a damaged, infected, or inflamed tooth before thinking of extracting it. Call us at (512)-380-0777 to set up an appointment. |
