How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?

When you hear the words “root canal”, it’s common to feel a little bit worried about the process. But the good news is that with so many developments in dental technology over the years, it’s actually a pretty painless and easy procedure! Here’s what you need to know about root canals.

How Do I Know if I Need Root Canal Therapy?

A patient will require root canal therapy if your pulp (the soft bundle of tissue, blood vessels, and nerves that makes up the innermost portion of a tooth) is infected due to aggressive decay or damage. Alternatively, if you have a chipped tooth, bad crown, or have had multiple procedures done in the same area, you may develop an abscess. If so, it’s time for root canal therapy to remove the infected pulp.

What Is the Root Canal Therapy Procedure?

1. Dr. Miranda will numb the area around your tooth using an anesthetic so you won’t feel any discomfort.
2. She’ll remove the infected pulp from your tooth and perform a deep clean of the canals to rid the area of infection.
3. Dr. Miranda will fill the canals with a material called gutta-percha that will act as a substitute pulp and protect the root from further infection. If you have a more serious case, she may put a post in your gums for additional stabilization.
4. If the tooth is relatively healthy otherwise, it may just require a filling to seal things up. If not, Dr. Miranda will place a tooth-colored crown on your tooth.

Will Root Canal Therapy Cause Me Pain?

Don’t believe the negative things you hear about root canal therapy! A root canal is actually like any other minor dental procedure. Avoiding treatment and dealing with an infected root will be more painful than going through root canal therapy. The only discomfort you may experience would occur in the days after the procedure, but Dr. Miranda will recommend the ways to curb any potential discomfort (like icing your cheeks or taking over-the-counter painkillers).

Reach Out to Our Team!

Do you think you may need a root canal? Come talk to the team at Texas Dental and we’ll provide you with a comfortable and pain-free experience. Contact us to schedule a consultation!

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