With approximately 14 million root canals performed in America every year, root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures to save your tooth from decay and cracks. This treatment is used to not only save your teeth, but also eliminate pain and save you from spending money on more costly dental procedures such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, or dentures. At Patriot Family Dental we can perform root canals in a timely manner and safe environment in Northeast El Paso, TX.
What Is a Root Canal?
Root canals essentially remove the decayed and inflamed pulp of a tooth to prevent any further infections, abscesses, or decay of surrounding teeth and bone. To begin, our dentist will make a small hole in the crown of the tooth to gain access to the root canal where the pulp is. They will then carefully remove the infected pulp and clean the inside of the tooth. After the thorough cleaning, the doctor will fill in the tooth with a material that will match your natural tooth color. This material strengthens the tooth and prevents any further infection or decay. If the tooth has been compromised, a dental crown may be added to improve the look and feel of the tooth.
At Patriot Family Dental, we pride ourselves on a conservative approach to modern dentistry and will always opt to keep the natural teeth of our patients whenever possible. A root canal will allow you to avoid tooth extraction. This treatment will also preserve the bone density of your jaw because a tooth extraction may cause the bone to recede if it is not properly maintained.
What is an endodontist?
An endodontist is a root canal specialist with two additional years of education and qualified in the care and treatment of tooth pulp and the inner parts of the tooth. If the procedure is required, a patient may often be referred to an endodontist for treatment. Our endodontist will work to improve your oral health and restore your natural teeth.
A Root Canal Can Save You Money and Improve Your Quality of Life
Root canal therapy will allow you to save your natural tooth, prevent tooth extraction, and allow you to avoid costly dental treatments in the future. Tooth extraction may seem simpler but will affect your quality of life and limit the types of food you can eat comfortably. Not to mention, a tooth extraction will also affect the appearance of your smile.
If you are considering a tooth extraction as opposed to a root canal to save money now and then receive a dental crown in the future when your finances are better, consider that extraction may cause the jaw bone to recede. This bone recession may require a costly bone graft procedure in order for you to receive a dental implant and dental crown. A root canal saves your natural tooth which will always look and feel better than a crown, bridge, or dentures. When possible, a root canal will always be the better option.
Will a Root Canal Hurt?
For root canals, local anesthesia will be administered to avoid any level of discomfort. So, you shouldn’t feel any pain or sensitivity even if the dentist decides to opt-out of using IV anesthesia. However, if you do feel any sensitivity during the procedure be sure to tell the dentist or staff and they will take measures to stop any pain.
Root Canal Aftercare
Sensitivity after the procedure can be expected but should not be overwhelming. The doctor will prescribe pain medication with instructions on how to use them. Ask our dentist for recommendations for over-the-counter pain killers to further educate yourself on pain relief.
Make sure to avoid hot or cold food and drinks for a 48 hour period and avoid chewing with the tooth for a few days. If you are still experiencing pain after 2 weeks, make sure to contact our staff and doctor on hand so they can prescribe stronger pain medication.
Schedule a Root Canal Consultation
Schedule a root canal consultation today by calling us at (915) 260-6575 or click the Appointments button in the menu above. Our dental staff will be happy to answer any further questions you have about treatment, insurance, or financing available to our patients.