Root Canal

A root canal removes your decaying and infected tooth’s pulp and nerves. Your dentist at Alamo Dental Excellence cleans the infection from the inside of your tooth and then seals it, protecting it from further decay and infection. 
 

Removing the nerves in your tooth only affects the sensation of hot or cold and not how your tooth looks or the way you use your teeth. 

The skilled team at Alamo Dental Excellence helps you understand if a root canal will benefit you. When the pulp or nerve in your tooth becomes damaged or decayed, bacteria can get inside and cause an infection. Damage to your tooth can occur from cracks, a loose or lost filling, or repeated dental procedures.

If your tooth is infected, you might feel intense pain and extra sensitivity or also notice swelling in your face and neck. If the infection isn’t treated, an abscess forms, filling the inside of your tooth with pus.
 

Root canals have a long history of people dreading the procedure, but with modern technology, root canals are not painful. If the nerves in your tooth are already dead, you won’t feel pain in that area, but localized numbing injections are used to ensure you won’t feel any pain. 

First, you take X-rays of your tooth, including the root structure and your jawbone, before it’s repaired. Your dentist places a rubber dental dam around your tooth to keep it dry and clean. 

Next, they create an access hole on the side of your tooth and begin cleaning out the damaged and infected pulp using a series of dental files until all of the damaged areas are removed, periodically rinsing the area of debris. 

If there is a lot of damage, you may need to return for a second visit. Your dentist places a temporary filling over the access hole until your next appointment.

Once the inside of your tooth is cleaned and no longer infected, your dentist fills the inside of your tooth with a rubber-like compound, further strengthening your tooth. Lastly, they seal the outside access hole with a filling material.

If your tooth is strong enough after a root canal, you’ll just need to follow-up with a few appointments at Alamo Dental Excellence for regular check-ups. In many cases, a tooth needing a root canal may need more restoration, such as a crown to keep it strong. Your dentist will discuss what you may need after your root canal.

Call Alamo Dental Excellence to schedule your consultation.