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Root canals are common dental procedures that eliminate harmful bacteria in the tooth pulp. The pulp is a collection of nerve tissue, blood vessels, and connective tissue inside the tooth that keeps the tooth alive.
Our dentists recommend a root canal procedure to save a damaged tooth rather than remove it completely. Contact us at Main Street Dental to learn more about root canal treatment options and schedule an appointment at our McGregor, TX, clinic.
When Are Root Canals Necessary?
Root canals become necessary when a patient develops a tooth infection that spreads to the tooth pulp. In such cases, a root canal gets rid of the infection and avoids the need for tooth extraction.
During the procedure, Dr. Shultz or Dr. Raimondo creates a small hole in the tooth to access the canal. Our dentists then carefully remove the infected pulp before sealing it off with a filling (sometimes with a crown) for additional protection.
Our dentists clean down to the root of the tooth, leaving no infection behind to prevent further tooth decay. The process is virtually painless because we use local anesthetic and dental sedation to ensure that patients feel no tooth pain and remain relaxed throughout the procedure.
Patients should be aware that it’s also very common for a root canal treated tooth to need a crown in order to protect and stabilize the remaining tooth structure which helps maintain your health and your smile.
If you suspect you have an infected tooth, contact us at Main Street Dental soon for a root canal diagnosis and cost estimate in McGregor, TX.
Benefits of Root Canals
A root canal procedure offers long-term benefits that improve your oral health and overall quality of life. Benefits of root canals include:
- Visually appealing results: After root canal treatment, Dr. Shultz or Dr. Raimondo will place a filling to protect the tooth or a crown to restore a natural tooth appearance.
- Stops the spread of infection: Root canals prevent the infected teeth from spreading the infection to other areas of your mouth like the facial spaces, soft tissues, and jawbone.
- More efficient chewing: An abscessed tooth may cause severe pain and swelling that makes chewing uncomfortable. Restorative fillings or crowns allow you to chew and bite without issues.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene also helps to ensure that root canals last as long as possible.
Indications That You May Need a Root Canal
If you suspect an issue with one or more of your teeth, don’t ignore the signs. The only surefire way to know if you need a root canal is by visiting the dentist. Look out for the following warning signs that you may need a root canal:
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Lingering sensitivity
- A discolored or darkened tooth
- Persistent toothache
- Bumps on the gums
- Swollen gums
- Tender gums
- An abscess
Does your tooth ache when you eat or apply pressure around the area? A cracked or decaying tooth may have caused an infection to grow in your tooth pulp.
Call (254) 840-2991 to schedule an appointment at Main Street Dental for a diagnosis. We can perform most root canals for our patients throughout McGregor and surrounding areas. At your appointment with the doctor, we can provide your personal diagnosis, treatment options, and the cost estimates to get you back in good health.
