A restorative dentist might perform a root canal to save a tooth with a damaged pulp chamber. It is a beneficial treatment that can have therapeutic benefits. A tooth’s pulp chamber is the innermost layer that contains its nerve and blood vessels. It is sealed off from the rest of a tooth so bacteria and acids cannot reach it.
A tooth’s pulp chamber can be opened up by trauma to the tooth or decay. This leaves the soft tissues there exposed to bacteria and acids in the mouth. The acids can cause excruciating toothaches, while bacteria in the mouth can infect the tissues in the pulp chamber. The infection can then spread to other parts of the body, like the brain, and have life-threatening consequences.
Common dental issues that a restorative dentist might recommend root canal therapy for include:
Root canals have an unfair reputation as a dental treatment, but it is typically a painless affair. A local anesthetic can be administered at the start of the treatment.
It is a straightforward procedure that involves using a dental drill to make a hole into a tooth’s pulp chamber. Dental tools are used to extract these soft tissues from teeth, and medication might be applied to the area.
Once the tooth has been cleaned and medicated, it is sealed back up with a material known as gutta-percha. The tooth can then be rebuilt with a composite resin or covered up with a crown. Crowns are typically recommended for teeth at the back of the mouth because they handle the most significant bite forces.
It takes about an hour to restore a tooth with a root canal, and the procedure has a high success rate. It is often enough to fully treat an infected tooth unless the infection has reached the tooth’s roots. At that point, an extraction might be needed to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body, where it can have life-threatening consequences.
Most patients do not experience any pain or discomfort afterward. If they do, it can be managed with over-the-counter medication. Root canals often bring an end to any pain that the patient was experiencing leading up to their dental visit.
A root canal allows a dentist to save a severely damaged tooth, so it does not have to be replaced with an oral prosthetic. There is no recovery period, so you can get back to your daily routine once the treatment is over. Give us a call or stop by our Austin clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist if you have a decayed or damaged tooth.
Request an appointment here: https://austinlakesdentistry.com or call Austin Lakes Dentistry: Scott T Gordon DDS at (512) 266-1308 for an appointment in our Austin office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Restorative Dentistry in Austin, TX.
A restorative dentist can bring back your smile and dental function. You should consult this dentist first before your treatments begin. That way, you will know what the procedures will entail. Here are some of the things to expect during your consultation with your dentist.Some restorative dental treatments are invasive. This may cause anxiety in…
The services of a restorative dentist are vital for your oral health and your appearance. If you are unhappy with your smile, you can take comfort to know that help is available. When you go to the dentist’s office for treatment, there is a variety of options to restore your teeth. Your dentist will examine…
Dental restoration procedures can be used to repair damaged teeth and restore their function. Many of these treatments also address aesthetic issues affecting the tooth. Teeth are one of the strongest parts of the body, but they also deal with many things that can damage them, like acids, bacteria and bite forces. Teeth can also…
Tooth enamel is often forgotten about, as it is difficult for the average person to visually distinguish it from the rest of the tooth. Enamel is best described as a thin calcified material that is incredibly sturdy. Enamel is strong but not indestructible. The problem is, you might not find out your tooth enamel is…
Your teeth are one of the first things that people notice about you, and if you are not confident about your smile, a dental veneer might be on your mind as a possible solution. It is one way to change how a tooth looks, but there are many other options. So, why opt for veneers…
General dentistry focuses on routine oral health care for patients of all ages. This includes oral maintenance such as cleanings and examinations, as well as general treatments and preventive care. Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a key role in oral health. Keep reading to learn more…