Root Canal Treatment in Spring, TX
As dentists we are constantly striving to preserve patients teeth so they can function in a disease free oral environment to provide the function of chewing. Many times tooth decay which is not detected early can either reach the nerve tissue, or get close enough to cause the tooth nerve (pulp) to abscess. Once this process begins there are only 2 alternatives. Either remove the tooth or remove the infected nerve (pulp) of the tooth. Removing the infected tooth nerve (pulp) and filling the now empty space inside the tooth is what a root canal procedure essentially is. In most cases preserving the tooth and removing the source of the infection (pulp) is preferable to tooth loss.
Root canal therapy has often times in the past been associated with pain both during and after treatment. Today, with the new advances in root canal procedures, this is no longer true.
Why Do Some Teeth Abscess and Require Root Canal Treatment?
While we always strive to catch decay before it progresses far enough to cause tooth infection, there are other mechanisms that cause a tooth to abscess. A deep filling or crown that occurred years ago can cause a dental nerve (pulp) to abscess at any time. We do have patients that faithfully keep their recall cleaning appointments, but have teeth that were treated years ago experience the formation of an abscess without the presence of tooth decay. Simplistically in these cases the dental nerve has been attempting to heal from the trauma of the deep decay which was removed years ago, but finally can no longer heal from that long ago trauma. In most of these cases the tooth has already been fitted with a crown, and preforming the root canal procedure allows the patient to retain their tooth for many years to come.
In order to protect the structure of the tooth, almost all teeth receiving root canal treatment will require crown restorations, if they do not already have one. Sometimes a new crown needs to be fabricated due to structural considerations. Dr. Graf will make this determination and with our state of the art dental visual aides, show you what treatment you require, why you need it, and how the procedure will be accomplished.
If a root canal is the recommended treatment for you please know that Dr. Graf has had advanced training in all of the latest root canal therapies. We have all of the most up to date instrumentation for the new 21st century root canal treatment procedures.
FAQs
The most common reason a tooth needs to be extracted is the presence of decay. But there are other possible reasons: dislodged tooth roots, bone-caused nerve damage and gum disease or infection. Root canals are used when a dentist thinks that an extraction might make it more difficult or impossible to remove the infection, or when the infection is so widespread throughout the root canal that it cannot be successfully treated with a root canal.
Root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure performed to treat a tooth in need of a dental root canal. It also involves preparing at least one molar for a root canal and creating an opening that fits over the root unobstructed.
A root canal is usually not painful and most people feel little to no discomfort. Pain may be described as a pressure or throbbing, burning sensation that can sometimes intensify during the procedure.
If you have a root canal, it is important to avoid any activity or food that can irritate your gums. Avoid brushing your teeth too vigorously or chewing on hard foods such as ice or wood. You should also avoid eating after midnight, since this is when gingival inflammation most often occurs.
The best way to recover from a root canal is to remove all pain killers and antibiotics, increase your intake of vitamin C and water, exercise regularly and finally, not brush teeth after the procedure.