Answering Your Questions About Root Canals

If you have a cavity that has turned into an infected tooth that is causing you a lot of pain, your dentist may have brought up a root canal treatment. This will restore your tooth and improve your overall health since an infected tooth can lead to other problems down the line. At Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, we’re here to answer common questions about this restorative solution.

What is A Root Canal

This procedure involves the process of removing the infected pulp within your tooth, sealing the tooth, and then placing a crown to protect it from any further damage. We seal the tooth with a composite so that more bacteria cannot reach this area, and the crown is a prosthetic used to replace the weak tooth with a strong and stable one.

Back molars are one of the most common areas that need this treatment. There are preventive measures you can take to avoid this – like regular oral hygiene and dentist visits- but sometimes those areas are hard to reach. This restorative option will replace the infected tooth with a stronger one.

Can I Just Get My Tooth Filled?

Fillings are used as a solution to cavities that only affect the outer crown. If your problem runs deeper, you may need to get a root canal instead. During a checkup, your dentist will be able to examine your mouth and may notice the signs of severe problems. If you are feeling persistent tooth pain, swollen gums, or jaws, it may be a sign that the decay has reached the pulp, and you will need root canal treatment. If you experience these pains suddenly, please call for an emergency visit. It’s best to get any pain checked out as soon as possible for your health and well-being.

What Happens During This Treatment

Before the procedure, your dentist will take several X-rays of the infected tooth and surrounding areas. This helps identify precisely what needs to be done and checks for signs of infection in the area.

You’ll be put under anesthesia during this procedure. You should not feel any pain, but there may be a sensation of mild discomfort. The infected pulp will be removed, and a rubber-like material will be placed inside. At this appointment or the next day, the sealant and crown may take place on the same appointment, or the next day depending on the initial treatment.

You will have to be gentle around the surrounding area for the next few days. If you have any questions, you can always call us at Cleveland Family Dentistry. It is important that after this procedure, you ensure a proper oral hygiene routine to prevent future problems. Make sure to brush, floss, and use mouthwash twice a day.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you’re ready to fix your smile and overall health, call us today at Cleveland Family Dentistry at 281-592-1234.