A Root Canal Can Restore Your Tooth

Recently, we talked about how a tooth extraction can save your smile when facing severe damage. At Cleveland Family Dentistry, we have several methods to bring you back to good oral health. While extractions can be used in necessary cases, there are other ways to repair the area and keep your tooth intact. For problems such as severe decay, a root canal may be the best option to restore function to the area and relieve discomfort.

The History Of Root Canals

This method of dental restoration has a history of being illustrated as painful and scary in movies and TV shows. However, this long-standing technique usually brings a near-immediate sensation of relief from the pain caused by severe tooth decay. This was first performed over one hundred years ago, and like all other forms of dentistry, major improvements have been made to make this procedure more efficient.

When A Root Canal Is Necessary

This restoration is performed when decay from a cavity has reached the pulp of the tooth. Several steps can prevent needing this treatment. First, proper oral care can help reduce the chances of cavities forming. Proper brushing and flossing wash out debris that may stay in your mouth after eating or drinking. This helps keep plaque and tartar from building up, which can grow cavity-causing bacteria.

It is also recommended that you visit the dentist at least twice a year. These visits help remove plaque that cannot be scrubbed with a regular toothbrush. Your dentist can also detect early signs of decay and offer fluoride to help restrengthen the tooth against damage. If a cavity has already formed, a filling can be used to remove the damage and restrengthen the area.

If a cavity has continued forming without any form of intervention, it can reach the pulp of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves and helps the tooth grow, which is why decay this deep can be painful and cause swelling.

The Process Of A Root Canal

First, your dentist will take a series of X-rays. This helps get a closer look at the problem. To help increase your comfort during this surgery, the area will be numbed. The area will be cleaned, and then the dentist will remove the damaged pulp. After this, the area will be cleaned and filled, just as a typical cavity would. In some cases, a crown is placed to protect the tooth from damage.

The numbing from sedation should wear off within a few hours after the procedure. You may need to eat softer foods for a day following the treatment, as the area may be slightly sensitive. Follow up with your dentist if you have any questions or concerns.

Schedule Your Root Canal Today

If you have a severely decayed tooth, a root canal may bring you relief. To schedule an appointment, call our office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234.