Need a Root Canal? What That Means

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.