Root Canal Therapy
Most people will be treated for a cavity at some point in their lives. In some cases, the decay spreads to the inner pulp of the tooth, causing damage and infection in the tooth nerves and nearby gum tissue. When this occurs, our dentists can perform a root canal to remove the infection and damaged tissue and prevent the tooth from being extracted.
What Is a Root Canal?
Root canals are part of the anatomy of a tooth. Basically, they are small canals within the roots of teeth and contain nerves and other tissue. They are an indispensable part of tooth structure. Healthy root canals are central to healthy teeth.
But the term “root canal” has also come to refer to the treatment of these parts of teeth when they become infected due to decay or damage. This simple therapy helps restore the health of a tooth that might otherwise be lost if infection is allowed to persist.
The Procedure
Root canal treatments typically take two appointments. The first step of your root canal treatment is to remove the crown of the affected tooth. This allows our dentists to work on the inner areas of the tooth. The decayed tissue is removed, along with the inner pulp and the infected nerve. This hollowed-out area of the tooth is then cleaned to remove bacteria and create a proper bonding surface for composite material. The dentist then adds a temporary filling and crown to the hollow tooth.
After your new custom crown has been created, you will return to our office for your second appointment. The temporary crown and filling are replaced with permanent restorations.
Root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful. But in reality, the therapy is used to alleviate the pain often associated with inner tooth infections. When you visit Aesthetic Dentistry Associates, our dentists will administer an anesthetic to help keep you comfortable during your procedure. We will also provide you with post-op instructions to help you heal and recover properly from your treatment. Most patients describe root canal therapy as being no more uncomfortable than receiving a normal filling.
Getting Started
If you have a toothache or are experiencing other dental discomfort, we invite you to contact Dr. Umansky as quickly as possible. The sooner the issue is treated, the sooner your oral health can be restored. Please call our office today at 281-446-4700 to learn more about root canal therapy in Humble, Texas.