Most people dread hearing that they need a root canal. The common perception of root canals is that they are painful and arduous; however, while this may have been the case in the past, nowadays root canals are nothing to be afraid of. In fact, a root canal may be the best option to relive your pain and save your tooth if you have deep decay or infection.
If you have been experiencing pain, sensitivity, or discoloration in your teeth, contact Love Brushing Dentistry today at 713-659-0841 to schedule your appointment. Our experienced dentist will examine your teeth carefully and determine whether a root canal would be beneficial for you.
Avoid Tooth Extraction With A Root Canal
Missing teeth not only affect your smile, they can affect the health of surrounding teeth and gums. Gaps can cause surrounding teeth to become crooked, and can allow bacteria buildup in the space where a tooth should be. Tooth extraction may be the only option if your decay has spread too far; however, in most cases, the natural tooth can be saved with a root canal.
A root canal allows the dentist to extract infected or decayed pulp inside the tooth while preserving the root and overall structure of the tooth. Your natural tooth may be strengthened with a filling or crown, but the root will remain and you will be able to use the tooth as normal while preserving its natural appearance as well.
Benefits of keeping your tooth with a root canal vs tooth extraction include:
- Maintain a full smile
- No interference with your bite or chewing ability
- Maintain support for surrounding teeth
- Less risk of bacterial buildup and infection
Are Root Canals Really Painful?
It is a myth that root canals are always painful and a bad experience. In fact, most patients nowadays find that the root canal procedure itself is painless, and any recovery pain can be managed with prescription or over the counter medication.
A root canal may require two visits: one for the root canal itself and one for placement of the crown or filling. In general, the root canal process is as follows:
- If requested, oral sedation or nitrous oxide is administered (oral sedation must be taken approximately an hour before your procedure)
- A numbing agent is used to completely numb your tooth so you don’t feel any pain
- A small hole is created through which infected or decayed pulp can be removed
- The tooth is thoroughly cleaned in order to remove all traces of decay and bacteria
- A sealant is placed where the pulp used to be
- A restoration such as a filling or crown is placed
Often, a temporary restoration is placed during the initial visit, and you’ll need to come back for a second visit for a permanent replacement. During this second visit, Dr. Khavari will also check to make sure that everything looks good and you are healing well.
If you are nervous about a root canal, sedation dentistry can help immensely in relieving anxiety and allowing you to feel more comfortable during your procedure.
Schedule Your Root Canal Appointment Today
Preserve your tooth while maintaining oral health with a root canal at Love Brushing Dentistry. Schedule your appointment today by calling 713-659-0841. We will be happy to examine your teeth and gums and recommend a treatment plan.
We serve patients in Houston, Pasadena, Channelview, Baytown, and other surrounding areas of Texas.
