Root Canal Treatment – DFW Metroplex

If a decayed tooth is left untreated, the infection will eventually spread to the soft pulp at its center, resulting in a miserably painful toothache. Such severe cases of tooth decay will only get worse if they go unaddressed, and the afflicted tooth will eventually be lost. Thankfully, the team at Bear Creek Family Dentistry can address an advanced dental infection with a painless root canal treatment. Here’s a brief guide to how root canals work and how they can bring you much-needed relief.

Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

Dentists use root canal treatments to restore teeth after severe tooth decay or dental injuries and minimize the likelihood of further infection. A few signs that you may need a root canal include:

• Toothache
• Swollen tissue around the tooth
• Dental discoloration
• Pain or discomfort when chewing
• A severe toothache suddenly disappearing

Root canals work by eliminating the infected tissue and sanitizing and sealing the afflicted tooth. This can bring an immediate end to a miserable toothache and help a troubled pearly white stay functional and beautiful for many years to come.

The Root Canal Process

Root canals treat severely infected or damaged teeth to relieve pain and save them from extraction, and a dentist will only recommend one if it is the best way to preserve your smile and your oral health. The process begins with our dentist administering a local anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain during treatment. Once the tooth is numb, they will remove the infected matter from the tooth, sanitize its interior, fill its inner chamber with gutta-percha, and seal it to prevent further infection. To ensure that your tooth can function normally and protect against further damage, you will receive a temporary dental restoration and be scheduled to come back to our office for a customized permanent crown a few weeks later.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

While many people think root canals are unpleasant ordeals, this reputation is undeserved. In addition to being painless, root canals offer a range of benefits like:

• Eliminating painful dental infections
• Preventing tooth loss and the need for costly dental replacements
• Protecting against additional damage and further infection
• Lifelike crowns that make teeth look as good as new

After your root canal, practicing excellent oral hygiene can help the treated tooth stay in great shape for life. These treatments have allowed many patients to enjoy complete smiles after severe dental injuries and infections, and receiving one at one of our DFW offices may be one of the best things you can do for your smile.