Can Any Dentist do a Root Canal Procedure?
More than 25 million root canals are performed every year, an average of 41,000 each day. This safe dental procedure helps people who sustain damage or infection to save their otherwise healthy teeth. And when a tooth breaks, a root canal prepares the area for a crown.
As an experienced family dentistry practice, we understand that people worry about the expense and discomfort associated with a root canal. But left untreated, an underlying condition can spread and require major oral surgery. That’s why we provide affordable dentist solutions and use the latest root canal techniques.
What is a Dental Root Canal?
When people hear the term “root canal,” it conjures up ideas of pain and discomfort. Modern family dentistry has evolved considerably, and this procedure involves minimal discomfort. Beneath the bright enamel and hard layer, referred to as “dentin,” resides soft pulp. This is where blood vessels, nerves, and tissue help grow the tooth’s root. Once a tooth fully matures, it does not necessarily need the pulp any longer. So, when the pulp becomes compromised, a dentist uses root canal techniques that include the following:
- X-ray the affected tooth and surrounding area.
- Apply local anesthesia to minimize any discomfort.
- Extract bacteria and decay from the pulp, root, and nerve.
- Disinfect the space using antibiotics.
- Seal the space to prevent future tooth decay.
- Fill the vacant space to prevent further infection during a follow-up visit.
A root canal procedure allows people to keep their adult tooth or replace it with a crown if it shows signs of decay and discoloration.
Why Will Someone Need A Root Canal Procedure?
Cracked or damaged teeth rank among the more common reasons people come to our North Lafayette Louisiana dentist office for a root canal. Car accidents, sports contact, and hard impact falls are all prevalent ways teeth become cracked or broken.
Inadequate oral hygiene too often results in gum and pulp infections. When antibiotic medications cannot reverse these conditions, the root may need to be removed. Brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using antiseptic mouthwash are tried and true methods for preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
Some people are genetically predisposed to frail teeth and conditions that call for crowns. Root canal treatment remains an effective way to restore a beautiful smile.
Telltale Signs You Will Need Root Canal Therapy
It’s important to understand the only way to be certain about the need for a root canal is to visit a dentist who offers the treatment. If you or a family member experiences any of the following symptoms, promptly contact us to schedule an appointment.
- Ongoing Pain: When pain persists or comes and goes frequently, it’s entirely likely there’s an underlying oral health issue. The discomfort may stem from an infection, cavity, or another condition. Keep in mind that tooth and gum infections can also cause pain. If you experience pain in the jaw or cheekbone, you may need a root canal.
- Tooth Sensitivity: If a tooth or teeth hurt when you put warm or cold food and beverages in your mouth, there’s a problem. This tends to be an early warning sign of infection.
- Swollen Gums: Swelling and pimple-like abscesses on the gums are typically the result of acidic waste. These sores may be oozing pus from an infected tooth.
- Moving Teeth: Nerve death and infection often lead to teeth becoming unstable. The acidic byproducts of unhealthy pulp compromise the surrounding bone. Loose adult teeth require a visit to the dentist.
- Biting Pain: If you bite down on food and feel discomfort emanating from your teeth, gums, or jawbone, you may have a significant condition. It could be the first sign of infected pulp, or the condition may be spreading.
It is important to contact a dentist when you or a loved one experiences any of these telltale signs. Allowing an underlying oral health condition to persist will likely cause it to spread to other teeth, gums, and the jawbone. Root canal remains a relatively simple, affordable dentist treatment. Invasive oral surgery procedures are not.
Contact Your Trusted North Lafayette Louisiana Dentist Office
At Hebert Family Dentistry, we provide affordable dentist solutions for our community members. We hope you find this information about root canal helpful and contact us if you or a family member is experiencing telltale signs.