Need a Root Canal? What That Means

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A root canal is an emergency dental procedure to help save your tooth. If your dentist has told you in Sugar Land, TX, that you need a root canal, you might be a little nervous or have questions about what that means. That’s to be expected.

The more you understand about root canal treatment and what that means, the better. Your dentist at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can answer your questions. Below, we’ve listed important information about root canals and have answered some of the commonly asked questions about root canals. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is A Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure your dentist uses to eliminate infection inside the tooth. To perform the root canal, the dentist drills into the tooth cleans out the infected pulp and nerve, shapes the inside of the tooth, and then fills it with sealant once the space is clean.

Once this is done, the dentist will place a cap (called a “dental crown”) over the tooth. With the dental crown in place, the tooth will look just like it always did, and it should work just as well, too.

How Can You Tell If You Need a Root Canal?

Your dentist is the person who can tell you for sure if you need a root canal. However, you may notice some important signs that you need emergency dental care. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible:

  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Severe pain in the tooth
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing your teeth
  • Sudden sensitivity to heat and cold

Are Root Canals Painful?

You shouldn’t feel much pain during the root canal because the dentist will numb the area before the procedure. You may, however, experience a lot of pain before going to the dentist. This is all the more reason to seek treatment as soon as possible.

What Happens If I Put Off My Root Canal?

A root canal can save your tooth. If you put off a root canal, you may need to have the tooth extracted later. In addition, the infection can spread. If one is needed, get root canal treatment in Sugar Land, TX, as soon as possible. Call today.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Root Canals

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If your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, tells you that you need a root canal, you probably want to know a little more about them first…right? That’s why we have put together some of the most frequently asked questions about root canals. These will hopefully help answer some of your most pressing questions.

How long do root canals last?

Many factors determine how long a root canal will last, such as teeth grinding, etc. However, a root canal in Sugar Land, TX, that also receives a filling and crown will generally last about 20 years. However, with the proper care, it’s possible your root canal could last a lifetime.

Can a tooth that needs a root canal to heal itself?

No, a tooth that needs a root canal can’t heal itself. Once the tissue inside your tooth becomes infected, it won’t heal by itself and will just get worse over time.

Are there any alternatives to having a root canal?

Yes, there are several alternatives to having a root canal. Here are a few of the alternatives available.

  • Dental implants
  • Dentures
  • Bridges
  • Direct pulp capping
  • Endodontic retreatment
  • Endodontic surgery
  • Tooth extraction
  • Pulpotomy
  • Pulpectomy

How long will it take before a cavity reaches your root canal?

How long it takes will differ depending on your oral health. However, in most cases, it could take anywhere from six months to five years before a cavity spreads and develops into needing a root canal.

What’s Next?

If you need a dentist in Sugar Land, TX, or any surrounding areas, please get in touch with First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today. We have an exceptional team and strive to make our office and your visit a pleasant and comfortable experience.

Root Canal Treatment: Digging Out Facts Behind the Myths

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Known as one of the most common types of dental treatment, root canals can save an ailing tooth so it doesn’t have to be extracted. Even though the procedure is common, it is also one that is surrounded by myths. Take a look at some of the myths associated with root canals and the actual facts every dental patient should know.

Myth: If you have a root canal, you will probably still lose the tooth.

Actually, quite the opposite is true. The primary purpose a dentist will choose to do a root canal is because of the fact that the tooth will be lost otherwise. It is not uncommon for a root canal to be a fix for a bad tooth that lasts a lifetime.

Myth: Getting a root canal is one of the most painful dental procedures.

Getting a root canal is no more painful than having a regular cavity filled. Before the dentist starts a procedure, they will give you shots that contain a local anesthetic to numb the area. You will likely feel some vibrations as the root of the tooth is drilled away, but this should not be painful and anyway. If at any time you feel any discomfort, just let the dentist know and they will take measures to prevent the sensations.

Myth: Root canals commonly fail and have to be redone.

When a root canal is done by a dentist who has plenty of experience with the procedure, it is highly unlikely that it will fail. The root canal procedure involves injecting composite material into the root of the tooth where it will cure and harden. The primary reason a root canal fails is due to improper initial placement or not removing all of the decayed material from the tooth prior to filling the canal.

Contact Us About Root Canal Treatment in Sugar Land, TX

If you suspect you need a root canal, it is important that you do not let any myths get in the way. If you have questions about root canal treatment, contact us at First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for more information. We will be happy to schedule you an appointment to have your problem properly assessed.