Relief and Healing for Damaged Teeth
A damaged or infected tooth doesn’t always mean it should be removed. At Your Total Dental & Orthodontics in Temple, TX, our skilled team may be able to save your natural tooth with a root canal. This common and effective treatment can relieve pain, stop the infection, and protect your smile for years.
Why is a Root Canal Needed?
When a tooth has a deep cavity, crack, or injury, harmful bacteria can reach the pulp—the soft inner part of the tooth. This can lead to an infection that causes pain, swelling, or even an abscess. If left untreated, the infection can spread and may lead to more serious health problems.
Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue before it causes further damage. This allows us to save your natural tooth and avoid the need for an extraction.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Here are some common symptoms that could mean a root canal is needed:
- Constant toothache or throbbing pain
- Pain when chewing or applying pressure
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t go away
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
Not all infected teeth hurt, so it’s important to visit us if something feels off. The sooner we detect the problem, the easier it is to treat.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
If a root canal is the right choice for you, here’s what you can expect:
- We gently numb the area to make sure you're comfortable.
- The infected pulp is carefully removed from inside the tooth.
- We clean and seal the inner space to prevent further infection.
- The tooth is filled, and in many cases, we place a crown to restore strength and appearance.
With good care, a tooth that has had a root canal can last a lifetime.
