Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a highly effective dental procedure in Katy designed to save severely damaged, abscessed, or dying teeth.
This advanced restorative treatment is performed when the pulp (the soft nerve and blood tissues inside a tooth) becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks, or traumatic injuries. By removing the dying nerve tissues, we can save the tooth and prevent unnecessary extractions. Root canal treatment also eliminates the source of tooth pain by removing the infected tissues inside your tooth.
At Dentality Family Dentistry in Katy, TX, our team of experienced and caring dentists is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable root canal experience. In-house nitrous oxide sedation is also available.
Our skilled dentists will carefully examine your tooth and take X-rays to assess the extent of damage and infection. Based on the assessment, they will determine if root canal therapy is the best course of action. Before beginning the root canal procedure, we will completely numb the tooth so that you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the treatment.
Once your tooth is numb, we create a small access hole in the tooth to reach the infected pulp. The infected pulp will be carefully removed, and the inner chamber will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent any further infection. Next, we fill the space with a biocompatible material to seal off the hollow nerve chamber.
In most situations, a dental crown is necessary to protect the non-vital tooth (which is more brittle than others) and restore its functionality.
After your root canal treatment, good home care helps ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting results. Until the numbing wears off, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the root canal was performed. Continue to practice regular brushing and flossing around the tooth, even after endodontic treatment. While it is fairly normal to experience some mild irritation, over-the-counter pain medications are typically more than adequate for managing temporary discomfort.
The procedure itself is not painful because local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth beforehand. However, severe abscesses may make it difficult to numb your tooth, so we may need to prescribe an antibiotic beforehand. It’s also normal to experience some temporary discomfort at the site where the local anesthetic was injected.
The length of a root canal procedure depends on things like the number of roots a tooth has and the overall tooth anatomy. Generally, endodontic treatment can be completed in one appointment, followed by a crown placement at a later date.
Because these teeth are either abscessed, dying, or severely damaged, the only alternative to root canal therapy is extracting the entire tooth. Preserving your natural tooth with a root canal is usually best, as it prevents additional restorations following tooth removal.
At Dentality Family Dentistry, we prioritize your oral health and personal smile goals. If you suspect you may need a root canal, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our dentists in Katy.
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