Root Canal Therapy – Mesquite, TX
Save Your Tooth as the Pain Subsides
Does drinking iced tea or hot coffee have you agonizing in pain? Maybe one of your teeth has simply been hurting constantly for a while now. In either case, it would seem you are dealing with an infection inside the dental pulp – the bundle of nerve endings located at the center of your tooth. Since this area is so sensitive, it can cause discomfort to the degree that it interferes with your daily life. Hope is not lost, however, because here at TrueCare Dentistry we want nothing more than to save your tooth as the pain subsides and give you a reason to smile once again. Contact us so we can get you back on track with root canal therapy in Mesquite!
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
The most common indication of the need for a root canal is a severe, persistent toothache. However, that is certainly not the only symptom to look for. Other signs you might need a root canal include:
- Extreme, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Dark discoloration of a tooth
- Swelling or redness of the gums surrounding a tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums near a tooth
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, contact our team. We’ll get you in for an emergency appointment with Dr. Rana ASAP.
The Root Canal Process
The term “root canal” gets a bad rap, but this procedure is actually painless. In fact, by removing the infected nerve of the tooth, a root canal is designed to relieve pain. Plus, your emergency dentist in Mesquite will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic beforehand so you will remain comfortable throughout the process. If needed, nitrous oxide sedation is also available.
We will begin by using special instruments to access the inner chambers of the tooth and remove the pulp that’s triggering your pain. After sanitizing the area, we’ll refill it with a synthetic gutta-percha material to retain the tooth’s shape. The next step is to seal and protect the tooth by placing a temporary dental crown. As your mouth heals, the area around the tooth might feel a bit sore and tender.
A few weeks later, we will see you at our dental office. Then, we’ll switch out your temporary crown for a permanent one. At that point, the underlying tooth should be fully protected. You’ll be able to use it as you normally would – bring on that cup of coffee!
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
While replacement options like dental implants definitely have their benefits for your smile, preserving your natural tooth should always be the primary goal. If you hesitate to get a root canal when you need one, the infection might progress to the point of no return and your tooth will have to be extracted entirely. Removing and replacing a tooth is a much more complex, time-consuming, and wallet-draining venture than root canal therapy.
In addition to saving your natural tooth, root canal therapy has other benefits:
- Virtually pain-free procedure – Thanks to the advanced dental technology we use, getting a root canal is about as comfortable as the process for an ordinary filling.
- High success rate – The vast majority of root canal patients retain their treated tooth for decades, if not the rest of their lives.
- Aesthetically pleasing results – After your root canal, your tooth will be restored with a custom-made dental crown that seamlessly blends in with the rest of your smile.
Root Canal FAQs
Even if you know you need a root canal in Mesquite, you may hesitate. In particular, you might want to learn its relevant details first. That way, you could know what to expect from treatment. Luckily, we at TrueCare Dentistry have you covered: listed below are some answers to frequently asked root canal questions. Please read them over to understand the therapy’s ins and outs! Otherwise, feel free to call our office or book a visit for extra help.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
To ensure your body is prepared for root canal therapy, consider doing the following:
- Eat Healthy – Eat a healthy meal before your root canal. In doing so, you’ll strengthen your body for the procedure.
- Don't Smoke – In the days leading up to therapy, try to avoid tobacco products. Not only do they weaken oral tissues, but they also interfere with the numbing medication.
- Take Medicine – Right before your procedure, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. This act will reduce your discomfort as the surgery’s anesthetic wears off.
- Sleep Well – The night before your root canal, get a good night’s sleep. It’ll make you less nervous about treatment and help you recover more quickly.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Root canal treatment can usually be done in one visit. That said, there are times when it takes two. In those cases, the first places antibacterial medicine on your tooth while the second cleans it out.
Regarding timing, a root canal’s length can span 30 to 90 minutes. How long your own takes depends partly on the treated tooth’s location. For example, teeth in the back of the mouth have more root canals. Treating them, then, will involve a longer amount of time.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
While the recovery time for a root canal can differ, it usually isn’t too long. Many patients can even return to work or school the day after treatment. However, you’ll still need to be careful.
For one thing, you should take more time off if your job involves physical labor. Two or three days should be fine. Otherwise, vigorous exercise could make the healing process take longer.
Furthermore, be gentle with your mouth – it’ll be sore for the next few days. To that end, consider taking over-the-counter pain medications. You could also eat soft foods to keep from aggravating the tooth. Lastly, remember to call your dentist at once if your pain worsens.
Are Root Canals Safe?
Despite rumors to the contrary, root canals are perfectly safe. They won’t harm your smile or gums. Current research backs up this fact. For example, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) has shown the “root canals are harmful” idea is a false myth. Studies also show that root canal therapy has a 95% success rate. Consequently, teeth treated with them tend to last a lifetime.
Of course, root canals have slight risks like any other oral surgery. There’s a small chance, for one, that bacteria leftover from surgery could reinfect the tooth. As such, tell your dentist if anything unexpected occurs after your surgery.