Root Canals Specialist
Trident Dental
General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Houston, TX
Root canals aren't fun, but there's no need to worry. Trident Dental wants you to know a root canal doesn’t have to be an unpleasant, anxiety-inducing experience. The accomplished dental group at Trident Dental does root canals on a daily basis in Houston, Texas. If you’re concerned about having a root canal, call the office or schedule an appointment online.
Root Canals Q & A
Why might I need a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure intended to remove oral discomfort and restore your tooth. One of the skilled dentists at Trident Dental eliminates the bacteria and any dead or dying tissue from inside your tooth if it becomes severely infected. This way, they can save your tooth and help ease your pain.
What can cause a tooth infection?
Tissue and roots inside of your teeth can get infected with bacteria due to injury to the tooth or from a cavity that remains untreated for too long. The infected tissue may enter the root or pulp of the tooth if you put off going to the dentist. Ask about treatment. If you don't, the infection could spread even further and lead to other health complications.
How do I know if I have an infected tooth?
If you don't deal with an infected tooth right away, you'll be welcoming a great deal of pain in the future. Some typical symptoms of an infected tooth include:
- Inflamed gums
- Tooth soreness while chewing
- Acute tooth sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures
- Unpleasant breath
- Pus coming from around the tooth
- A painful throbbing in your jaw or mouth
- A darkening color of the tooth
- A bump on your gum like a small pimple
How is a root canal performed?
Typically, one of the highly skilled dentists at Trident Dental can take care of your tooth in one or two visits. You may first need X-rays so the dentist can judge the magnitude of damage to the tooth needing a root canal.
At your appointment, one of the dentists at Trident Dental uses a needle to numb the area with a local anesthetic. Every now and then, they place a dental dam, or a little piece of rubber, on your tooth to preserve its cleanliness and protect it from bacteria during the procedure. After your tooth gets numbed, the dentist creates a tiny opening in your tooth to access the area of infection inside the root.
Next, your dentist takes away the damaged and unhealthy pulp using small files, and sprays the area with water to remove debris. Once all the infected material is removed, your dentist either seals the tooth or puts in a temporary filling to protect your tooth until you come back for a permanent crown.
If you show any signs or symptoms of a tooth infection, be sure to call Trident Dental or schedule a consultation online.