Endodontics in Midlothian, TX
Tooth pain is sometimes debilitating. While a toothache can occur for a variety of minor factors, oral pain can also be a sign of a more serious concern, such as infection. When this occurs, removing the infection and saving your natural tooth is as critical as alleviating the discomfort that you’re likely experiencing. At Soothing Dental, Dr. Vinton and his trusted team are well-equipped to save your natural teeth and relieve oral pain with their progressive endodontic treatments.
Overview of Endodontic Treatment
Root canal treatments are a type of endodontic procedure that are used to remove an infection from the root’s canal and save the person’s natural tooth. Root canal treatments have become synonymous with a painful dental procedure, which could lead you to worry if your dentist recommends one to treat an infected tooth. In reality, this depiction couldn’t be further from the truth. While you may experience pain from an infected tooth, endodontic treatments are very common and are typically as comfortable as many other restorative dental treatments. Just like with other dental restorations, root canal treatments may require a follow-up procedure. With proper care, most root canal treatments will remain healthy and strong for a lifetime, but some may require a retreatment. Retreatments could be necessary for a number of reasons, including:
- Curved canals that weren’t treated during the first treatment.
- The dental crown wasn’t immediately placed over the treated tooth.
- The dental crown didn’t prevent salivary contamination within the tooth.
- A broken crown exposed the tooth to infection.
Common Causes of Tooth Infections
Tooth infections can occur due to various common factors. These infections often stem from untreated cavities, which allow bacteria to penetrate deep into the tooth’s pulp. Dental trauma or injury can also lead to infections when the protective enamel is compromised. Not seeing the dentist for a while, or poor oral hygiene practices, such as infrequent brushing and flossing, can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Recognizing these common causes is vital in understanding the importance of prompt endodontic care to prevent further complications and pain.
Is a root canal painful?
Root canals are typically not painful because they are performed under local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. The purpose of a root canal is to remove the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth, which is the source of pain and discomfort. We provide a soothing dental experience to ensure your dental care is pain-free and relaxing. During the procedure, you should not feel any pain, although you may experience some pressure or minor discomfort. After the root canal, you may experience some mild discomfort or soreness, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and should subside within a few days. It’s essential to follow your dentist’s post-procedure care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
How long does a root canal take?
The duration of a root canal procedure depends on the case’s complexity, but it usually takes one to two hours. Most patients find the procedure to be quicker and more comfortable than anticipated. In some cases, a follow-up appointment may be necessary to ensure the treated tooth heals properly. Your endodontist will guide any required follow-up procedures.
Endodontics Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing an infected tooth that may require root canal therapy is quick and simple. Dr. Vinton will examine your mouth for gum inflammation, damage to the tooth, as well as significant discoloration. Additionally, he will look for symptoms, such as persistent oral pain and sensitivity to cold or hot foods.
If your endodontic diagnosis determines a root canal treatment is the best approach to restore the health and comfort of your smile, you can expect the following will take place:
- Once your mouth is completely numb and you are comfortable, your root canal dentist will remove the infection and pulp from the inside of your tooth.
- Then, they will clean out the remaining hole in your tooth and refill it with an adhesive cement-like material.
- Finally, they will place a natural-looking dental crown over the tooth to protect it from damage or infection.
What Happens if a Root Canal is Left Untreated?
Infected teeth will not heal on their own. Choosing to not undergo root canal therapy could put your oral health at risk by allowing infection to spread or even lead to tooth loss.
Benefits of Treatment with an Endodontic Dentist
Endodontic treatments come with numerous benefits, including:
- Relieving pain
- Making normal activities easier, such as eating and speaking
- Improving the appearance of your smile
- Restoring your oral health
Root Canal Treatment Cost
The cost of your endodontic treatment at Soothing Dental will depend on your dental insurance plan. For more information on what your dental insurance covers, please contact our office.
Aftercare and Recovery
After undergoing a root canal or endodontic procedure, proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery. Patients may experience mild discomfort or swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses. It’s crucial to avoid biting down on hard or sticky foods immediately after treatment. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is necessary to prevent reinfection. Patients should follow any specific post-procedure instructions provided by their endodontist to ensure a successful and comfortable recovery.
Need a Root Canal Dentist? Call Soothing Dental in Midlothian Texas!
Achieving a healthy, pain-free smile is possible. If you are suffering from dental pain from an infected tooth, the experienced team at Soothing Dental is here to help. Dr. Vinton can improve the health, comfort, and appearance of your smile with modern endodontic treatments. In as little as one convenient appointment, you could restore an infected tooth to health. Contact us today to learn more about how a root canal treatment could benefit you.
Soothing Dental is a family dental practice that provides a luxury, relaxing, spa-like environment for the Midlothian community. We see patients of all ages!