Root Canal Solutions
If your tooth is damaged or infected, we may be able to save it with root canal therapy. In some cases, teeth can become severely infected or abscessed, and you may have the choice to either extract the tooth or try to save it with a root canal. At Nederland Family Dental, we believe it is important to save your natural tooth whenever possible.
However, if saving the tooth is not an option, our dentist in Groves can provide tooth replacement options to restore your smile and oral health.
If you experience increasing tooth sensitivity or a persistent toothache, we recommend contacting our team right away to schedule an examination. It is always better to address oral health issues and root infections sooner rather than later.
For more information about root infections and root canals, please continue reading.
What is the importance of saving a tooth?
Saving your natural tooth may seem like a hassle, but it is actually the better option for several reasons. Not only does it help maintain the integrity of your dentistry, but it is also less expensive than getting a tooth replacement. Additionally, it supports your bone health.
Extracting a tooth presents its own challenges, including the need to find the best way to replace the missing tooth. While implants are a preferred method, they require a longer healing time compared to a root canal and crown.
Furthermore, having a gap in your smile can negatively affect your appearance and lead to other dental issues such as teeth shifting, bad bite, and bone loss.
To ensure the long-term health of your mouth, it is always best to save your natural tooth. However, if that is not possible, we offer tooth replacement options like dental bridges, partial dentures, and dental implants to restore your smile.
What are the symptoms of a root infection?
If you experience pain, swelling, pressure, sensitivity to hot and cold, or notice a small pimple-like protrusion on your gums, it may indicate the need for a root canal. However, in the initial stages of infection, symptoms may be absent or limited to mild tooth sensitivity.
If you notice any changes in your oral health that do not improve, we recommend reaching out to our office. It is important to note that other oral health issues can resemble a root infection, so it is crucial for your dentist in Nederland to accurately diagnose and initiate the necessary treatment.
Is root canal therapy painful?
Don't be deceived by the jokes about root canal pain. The real cause of the pain is the root infection, and it is the root canal therapy that provides relief. During your root canal treatment, we ensure that the area causing you pain is numbed, offering you instant relief.
If you experience anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry to assist you during your root canal procedure. Your dentist will evaluate you to determine if oral sedation is a safe option for you. Additionally, we will provide you with detailed instructions before and after your root canal treatment with sedation.
What happens during root canal therapy?
When we perform a root canal in Groves, TX for you, we eliminate the infection and infected tissue inside your tooth, relieving the pain and symptoms you likely experienced. Our priority is to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. We will create a small hole in your tooth to gain access to the root.
Dr. G. Whitney Gomez will thoroughly clean out your tooth's root, removing the nerve, pulp, and infection. The inside of your tooth will then be sterilized to prevent any remaining infection.
After the cleaning process, we will fill your tooth with an inert material and any necessary medication to prevent future infections. The access hole will also be filled. Our doctor will assist with pain management during your healing process. You should start feeling significantly better within a few days.
We will give your body time to heal and schedule a follow-up exam. If everything looks good, we can complete the root canal treatment by placing a crown or permanent filling.
Do I require a vaccination?
We are able to perform certain procedures without the need for a shot. For shallow cavities or dental bonding, an anesthetic may not be necessary. However, for procedures such as dental crowns, deep decay, or root canal treatment, it is recommended to numb you for a more comfortable experience.
Even if a shot is required, rest assured that we are skilled at administering them. We have mastered the technique for both adults and children, and often the anticipation of the shot is worse than the actual injection. To alleviate any unnecessary anxiety, we keep syringes and other intimidating instruments out of sight.
Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised by how painless the injection is. Our doctor ensures that the experience is as pain-free as possible. Additionally, we collaborate with a pharmacist who provides numbing gels and rinses to minimize any stinging sensation from the injection. In other words, we can numb you before the procedure so that you won't feel the injection or the treatment.
Do I require a tooth crown?
Removing the material from inside your tooth can weaken it and increase the risk of cracks and damage. To safeguard your root canal tooth from everyday wear due to chewing and talking, we frequently suggest getting a dental crown.
This is particularly important for molars, as they endure significant force during chewing. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that conceals your tooth, and it is so natural-looking that no one will suspect you have one!
What steps can I take to reduce the likelihood of a root infection in the future?
To prevent damage or trauma to your tooth, it is important to follow these guidelines. Firstly, make sure to regularly visit your dentist for dental exams and teeth cleanings. Additionally, maintaining a good oral care routine at home is crucial.
Dental exams can detect potential problems early on, while teeth cleanings remove bacteria and tartar that can cause tooth decay, root infections, and periodontal disease.
By combining these practices with excellent at-home care, you can reduce the risk of oral health complications. If you suffer from teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), consult your dentist about using a nightguard to protect your enamel and prevent infections or fractures.
For individuals involved in sports, wearing a mouthguard and appropriate face gear is essential to avoid injuries to the mouth. At Nederland Family Dental, our aim is to prevent oral health issues and keep you smiling!
Please contact our dental office for assistance.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may require root canal therapy, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our dental office in Groves. Our experienced dentist will provide a diagnosis and discuss the best treatment options for you. It is important not to delay as waiting too long can result in tooth loss. Call us right away and let us assist you in restoring your dental health.
