Root Canal Treatment in Pearland, TX
Teeth consist of three layers, the hard, protective outer coating is the enamel, which covers the dentin. The third inside layer is the pulp. This inner chamber houses all of the tooth’s blood vessels, nerves, and other live tissues.
In situations where the pulp gets exposed and becomes contaminated, the infection can spread deep into the inner chamber. Conditions that lead to pulp exposure include a tooth fracture or a large cavity. Tooth infections often spread to the inner chamber. An untreated infection is likely to worsen and travel to the roots and even potentially enter the bloodstream. A trauma or impact to the tooth can also damage the pulp and lead to health problems.
What is a Root Canal?
The standard procedure to treat these issues is a root canal treatment. However, ‘root canal’ is not the proper term for surgery. Technically, the root canal describes the narrow tubes that link the pulp chamber to the tip of the root. The medical term used in endodontic dentistry is pulpectomy. This commonly performed surgery is a very effective method for curing an infected tooth. The procedure involves disinfecting and refilling the inner cavern while minimizing tooth damage and eliminating pain.
During a root canal treatment, our dentist in Pearland, TX — a root canal specialist—removes the dead, infected tissue from the pulp space. The chamber is later cleaned, disinfected, and sealed with special filling materials. With today’s innovative technologies and advanced dental techniques, root canal treatments are completed much faster with significantly less discomfort. Following the procedure, our endodontist near you will place a crown over the treated tooth for added protection.
Signs You Need a Root Canal Treatment
- Early signs that your tooth may be infected include increased sensitivity to hot and cold food, pain or throbbing particularly when biting or chewing, or spontaneous throbbing or another discomfort.
- As a tooth infection worsens pus-filled pockets develop and an abscess will form. A traumatic dental injury or severe tooth decay can cause an abscess to develop in the bone.
- Successful root canal treatments are performed every day.
- The dental surgery will rid you of the diseased tissue and painful symptoms, stop the infection from spreading and save your tooth.
Visit an Endodontist Near You
If you suspect you may need a root canal treatment near Shadow Creek Ranch, Pearland, TX, book an appointment for a consultation with our endodontist near you today!
Root Canal Treatment FAQs
Root canal treatment is a very effective method for curing an infected tooth. It involves disinfecting and refilling the inner cavern while minimizing tooth damage and eliminating pain. Here are some commonly asked questions about root canal treatment:
Root canal treatment in Pearland, TX, requires two visits for most patients. Our endodontist near you will thoroughly clean the infection during the first visit and perform the necessary restorations during the next. Two sessions ensure that the tooth is protected from further damage.
Most patients will need a crown to strengthen the remaining natural tooth after a root canal procedure. The crown can help restore your chewing function, help to seal the cavity, and prevent a recurring infection.
Most patients receiving a typical root canal treatment take less than a week to recover fully. A mild discomfort might persist for a couple of days, but if you experience pain that lasts for over a week, visit our dentist near you immediately.
When the infection reaches the root canal of your tooth, our Pearland endodontist must remove the pulp and a part of your infected tooth. It can compromise the structural strength of your tooth. Although a crown can give structural stability to the tooth, it can't restore it to its former strength.
In many cases, your root canal treatment should last for a lifetime, but if the infection returns, our dentist at 77584 might recommend repeating the procedure.
Root canal procedure requires mild sedation; most people can return to work after the treatment. However, if you require stronger oral sedation, you should plan to rest that day and return to work the next day.
Yes, you can brush your teeth as you normally would once the numbing medication completely wears off.
