What Is a Root Canal?
When tooth decay is identified early, it's usually treated with a simple filling or other restoration. When harmful bacteria or decay enters the internal part of the tooth, the nerve center, this results in an infection and should be treated with a procedure called root canal therapy. A root canal is an endodontic treatment that helps restore the health of a tooth by sealing it off to protect it from damage. When an infection is left untreated, it can unfortunately spread.
Allow our skilled dentist and team at Made Ya Smile to provide care with advanced dental techniques and anesthetics to make you feel comfortable. We are known for using a gentle touch while offering sedation options for a relaxed visit. Patients who put off root canal therapy increase their risk for further damage, so please get in touch with our office in Missouri City, TX to schedule a consultation and learn more about endodontic treatment.
Root Canal Therapy Reviews
What are the Signs a Root Canal is Needed?
A root canal may be the right solution if you have severely decayed, cracked, or damaged teeth or if harmful bacteria have gotten into the internal nerve center (the pulp) of the tooth. Knowing if you need a root canal is important to your overall dental health. When left untreated, this infection can travel to the bone, causing pain and further damage. Contact the staff at Made Ya Smile in Missouri City if you notice any of the following signs of an infected tooth:
- Toothache or dull pain in the jaw
- Gray or discolored tooth
- Swelling or blister-like lesion on the gums
- Discomfort or pain when biting down
- Sensitivity to temperature or sweets
If you believe you need a root canal and are wondering how long a root canal will take, we urge you to schedule a consultation with a member of our dental team. We will provide you with the care necessary for you to maintain optimal oral health.
What Is the Root Canal Process?
Made Ya Smile gladly accommodates patients who have a fear of dental treatment with several sedation options in our office. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide works for individuals with mild anxiety while oral-conscious sedation is an option for more moderate fears. Our dentist helps you understand sedation dentistry and will help you make an informed choice. We begin a root canal therapy by numbing the tooth and jaw, then we will carefully work to open the tooth and remove the infected tissue from the pulp. Using advanced dental tools, Made Ya Smile will reshape the area and fill the tooth with durable material to restore its function. We will give you a temporary filling to cover the surface until the tooth has healed. Root canal therapy removes the nerve sources and blood from a tooth, which means that the treatment will leave the tooth brittle and fragile. To protect its structure and appearance, we may suggest placing a crown following the procedure.
Recovery After Root Canal Therapy
After the procedure, the staff at Made Ya Smile offers instructions to care for your tooth at home to make sure the infection does not return in the future. If you had oral-conscious sedation, you will feel drowsy for a few hours, which means you need a responsible adult to drive you home. Any discomfort or pain can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication. Based on your condition, our dentist may need to prescribe antibiotics to treat the infected tooth. Our team will schedule any needed follow-up visits at our clinic in Missouri City, TX so we can check the healing process. Routine cleaning and examinations are also important to maintain a comfortable, healthy smile.
Are Root Canals Covered by Insurance?
A procedure like a root canal therapy may be covered partially by your dental health insurance plan. A team member at Made Ya Smile will contact your provider and understand your specific benefits before beginning your endodontic treatment. To make achieving a healthy smile more affordable, we accept most PPO insurance plans and offer a range of options for payment, including low-cost financing through our third-party partner, CareCredit®.
Root Canal Therapy FAQ
Is root canal therapy painful?
Our practice utilizes the latest advancements in dental technology during a root canal, which allows root canal therapy at our Missouri City, TX office to be about as uncomfortable as having a cavity filled. Before the procedure begins, the affected tooth will be numbed so that you do not experience any pain.
What are the alternatives to a root canal?
Our staff will always work to save your natural tooth, if possible. Extracting the infected tooth is the only alternative to having a root canal. Having a tooth extracted can lead to other severe oral health issues, so it is often recommended that a root canal be done instead of an extraction.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
It should only take a few days to recover from a root canal procedure. At your appointment, our team will provide you with specific aftercare instructions that promote healing. If you have any questions about the recovery process, please do not hesitate to consult your dental surgery team.
Modern Endodontic Treatment
When not treated right away, an infected tooth can cause major damage to your health. Root canal therapy procedures are easier and more comfortable than ever thanks to modern advancements in dental technology. Our dentist offers a pleasant experience through sedation options and a relaxed office atmosphere. Protect your tooth from damage or from being extracted with the professionals at Made Ya Smile. Talk to a member of our team to schedule an appointment for a custom evaluation.
