7 Steps for a Root Canal Treatment in Houston

When an infection strikes deep within a tooth, reaching all the way down the root canals and into the gums, it can become very painful. You may notice a lot of swelling around an infected tooth that is tender to the touch.

When this situation occurs, a root canal treatment is the best option in Houston.

Endodontic Therapy in Houston

Endodontic therapy, commonly known as a root canal treatment, is a specialized procedure that seeks to remove infected and inflamed dental pulp from the inside of a damaged tooth.

The pulp usually becomes infected as a result of an injury or decay, with decay being the most prominent cause.

1.    A local anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Sedation dentistry may also be used to keep the patient calm and relaxed.

2.    The center area atop the tooth is drilled to open up the tooth’s core.

3.    An endodontic file removes the infected dental pulp and tissue. If there is an abscess, the file will also remove it.

4.    Once the damage pulp is cleared and abscess removed, the file is used to shape the canals for filling.

5.    A rubber compound called gutta-percha is used to fill the roots of the tooth. This compound will prevent future contamination and infections.

6.    The pulp chamber and crown of the tooth are then filled as if it were just a typical cavity.

7.    In some cases, a crown may be fashioned and placed atop the tooth.

Benefits of a Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment has some distinct advantages over extracting and replacing a tooth.

One factor many people consider is cost. It costs significantly less to perform a root canal that to get a bridge. If no crown needs to be fashioned, it will also take less time.

Beyond the cost aspect, there are other reasons to get a root canal treatment:

●     Much of the original tooth is preserved

●     Chewing remains normal

●     Bite force and sensation do not change

●     Depending on the filling choice, the end result can look like natural teeth

●     Since root canals preserve much of the original tooth, they won’t cause extra wear on adjacent teeth like bridges might.