Endodontics - Root Canal Therapy in Lewisville, TX
Despite its reputation, root canal therapy is a relatively comfortable endodontic treatment that alleviates pain rather than causing it. The procedure saves thousands upon thousands of damaged teeth worldwide every day! At Hillside Dental, our priority is your comfort. Our gentle techniques and sedation dentistry options will allow you to relax while receiving the outstanding care you deserve.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Inside every tooth is an area known as the pulp chamber, which contains the tooth pulp, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. A root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure required when there's inflammation or infection of the soft pulp tissues, usually resulting from deep decay, a crack in the tooth, trauma, or repeated dental work. It involves the removal of the diseased tooth pulp, restoring the tooth to its health and function. A root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper care!
If you experience any of the following signs, we recommend contacting our office right away:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swelling of the gum around a tooth
- Facial swelling
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Tooth discoloration
Any of these symptoms may indicate the need for root canal therapy. However, it's important to note that root canal problems don't always produce signs or symptoms. That's why it's essential to maintain your routine dental exams, allowing us to identify any dental issues requiring treatment.
Infected pulp will not heal on its own. Root canal therapy is the only way to save a tooth with pulp damage. Otherwise, you risk complications, including severe pain and an abscess, which can cause swelling of the face and bone loss around the affected tooth's roots. Worse yet, the infection can make its way into your bloodstream, posing a serious health risk.
The only alternative to a needed root canal treatment is to extract the affected tooth. However, you'd likely require a tooth replacement option, such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.
Dr. Jeon will prepare the area and gently numb it using local anesthesia. He will administer nitrous oxide sedation if needed, so you can relax during the procedure.
Dr. Jeon will make a small opening in the tooth's crown to access and remove the infected pulp tissues. He will clean and shape the area and fill the root canals with a rubbery, biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Next is placing an adhesive cement to seal off the root canals, then placing a temporary filling to close the opening.
After a root canal treatment, the tooth becomes brittle and prone to fracture. That's why, in most cases, we recommend placing a dental crown. The restoration will protect the treated tooth and prevent future cracks or damage.
Caring for a root canal-treated tooth is like caring for your natural teeth. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash. Don't forget to visit Hillside Dental for your routine, twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Jeon and his team will monitor your oral health and address any problems as they arise, preventing complications and the need for extensive treatments down the road.
Gentle Endodontic Treatments Near Me
If you've been putting off a root canal treatment, you need to take action today to protect and maintain the health of your smile. You can count on Dr. Jeon and his team at Hillside Dental for the highest level of care and service. We invite you to call our Lewisville office to schedule your appointment or request one online today.