Root Canal in Lamesa, Texas
A root canal can be the right treatment for you if you’re experiencing persistent pain caused by a severely decayed or infected tooth. A dental procedure such as this allows for the quick removal of damage and infection without removing the tooth. Although many could think about it as intimidating, this dental treatment is just meant to address the situation and help you get back on track in no time.
Find out if this treatment is the right option to treat your toothache in Lamesa, Texas at South Plains Rural Health.
About Root Canal
An endodontic treatment, better known as a root canal, is a dental procedure used to clear damaged pulp (the tissue inside the tooth) from tooth canals. This pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that can become damaged or infected, causing symptoms like pain and inflammation. If left untreated, the tooth is at risk of further complications, including:
- Gum disease
- Tooth abscesses
- Severe infections
- Permanent tooth loss
- Jawbone deterioration
When Should You Get One?
Not all dental problems require a root canal. To determine if this procedure is necessary, a thorough examination of your tooth (X-rays included) is required. Our dental experts could recommend this treatment only if you have an infected, decayed, or damaged tooth that cannot be treated with fillings and is at risk of further complications.
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How Is a Root Canal Performed?
After a dentist has determined that this procedure is necessary, and you have agreed to proceed with it, restoring your tooth is quite simple. The dentist will:
- Use local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the tooth and place a cotton roll to keep the area clean and dry.
- Create a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp and remove all the damaged areas using specialized tools.
- Clean, disinfect, and shape the root canals in preparation for filling.
- For the filling, the dentist inserts a material called gutta-percha (a natural rubber-like substance used to fill the root canals) and seals the area with endodontic cement.
- Finally, the dentist places a crown to protect your tooth, as well as to restore its appearance and functionality.
Post Treatment Care
After this dental treatment, it is possible that you feel numbness in your mouth for a few hours while the anesthetic wears off. It is important that you don’t try to eat until the numbness fades, to avoid the risk of accidentally chewing your own cheek or tongue. The area surrounding the treated tooth may have some sensitivity and feel swollen or sore. Those sensations should disappear within a week.
Care Recommendations
Some recommendations given by our dental professionals to support your healing and avoid possible complications include:
- Brushing your teeth and flossing regularly to maintain your oral hygiene
- Using alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash to prevent infections
- Avoiding smoking, since it can slow down the healing process
- Going to your follow-up appointments after the treatment
- Taking painkillers as instructed by your dentist
- Eating a soft diet for a few days
FAQ
Does a root canal hurt?
A root canal is performed under local anesthesia. You might feel mild discomfort during the procedure and some pain after it, which fades away in the following days.
How long does a root canal take?
Depending on your specific case, a root canal could take more than one appointment, with each appointment lasting between 1 and 2 hours, though complex cases may require longer sessions.
Why is a root canal necessary?
A root canal is necessary to save a tooth from infection or damage without removing it (while it’s still salvageable) and to prevent further complications.
Find Relief From Your Tooth Pain in Lamesa, Texas
At South Plains Rural Health, our dental experts will treat your dental problem with utmost care and guide you back to a pain-free life. If you’re struggling with an unbearable toothache that is negatively impacting your quality of life, visit us in Lamesa, Texas, to determine if a root canal is the right treatment for you.