Healing and Relief for Damaged Teeth
A damaged or infected tooth doesn’t always need to be removed. At Your Total Dental & Orthodontics in Manor, TX, our experienced team may be able to save your natural tooth with a root canal. This common and effective procedure not only relieves pain but also stops the infection and helps preserve your smile for years to come.
Why is a Root Canal Necessary?
When a tooth experiences a deep cavity, crack, or injury, bacteria can reach the pulp—the soft inner part of the tooth. This can lead to infection, causing pain, swelling, and even an abscess. If left untreated, the infection can spread, potentially resulting in more serious health complications.
Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue, preventing further damage. This procedure allows us to save your natural tooth and avoid the need for an extraction.
How to Recognize the Signs of a Root Canal?
Here are some common symptoms that could indicate the need for a root canal:
- Persistent toothache or throbbing pain
- Pain when chewing or applying pressure
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Ongoing sensitivity to hot or cold
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
Not all infected teeth cause pain, so it's important to visit us if anything feels unusual. The sooner we identify the issue, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
If a root canal is the best option for you, here’s what you can expect:
- Numbing: We’ll gently numb the area to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
- Removal of Infected Tissue: The infected pulp is carefully removed from inside the tooth.
- Cleaning and Sealing: We thoroughly clean and seal the inner space to prevent further infection.
- Restoration: The tooth is filled, and in many cases, we place a crown to restore its strength and appearance.
With proper care, a tooth that’s undergone a root canal can last a lifetime.
