Endodontics and Root Canal Specialists in Greater Houston, TX
Are you experiencing pronounced dental pain? You're wise to be searching for advice on what to do next instead of simply ignoring the pain. Swollen gums, sensitivity to hot and cold food, and tooth pain are all telltale signs of a larger issue that may require a root canal. The good news is that getting the issue addressed as quickly as possible may help you to preserve your tooth before the decay grows more severe.
You may need a root canal to restore a healthy mouth if you have tooth pain. A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from within a diseased tooth. It's used when treating the infection and repairing damage are no longer options. The reason why some cases of rot are too severe for routine treatments is that pulp infections typically come from untreated tooth decay that has spread within the mouth. In some cases, previous dental work could also be to blame for the issue. There's no need to be concerned about the ramifications of removing pulp from your teeth. Your adult teeth can fully function without pulp!
Don't hesitate to contact a dentist for root canal near me in Greater Houston, TX if you think that you may be suffering from infected or damaged pulp!
How Do Dentists Determine If You Need a Root Canal?
Visit a Greater Houston, TX root canal specialist for a thorough dental examination with X-rays will be used to make a diagnosis. Of course, our dentists will also listen to your tooth pain symptoms to get an understanding of what could be happening. The common signs that suggest it's time for a root canal include:
- Tooth pain
- Pain when biting down
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages
- Swollen or tender gums
- Facial swelling
- Tooth darkening
Don't delay with making a dental appointment as soon as possible if you're experiencing any of these symptoms! Decaying or rotting pulp will not resolve on its own. However, the right dental care may help you to preserve your tooth. Pulling a tooth may be the only option if decay escalates.
Should My Root Canal Be Done by an Endodontist Root Canal Dentist in Greater Houston, TX?
In most cases, the patient can choose. General dentists are capable of performing root canals. An endodontist is a dental expert with two additional years of training in a specialty that's recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). This is why endodontists are often preferred for complex or unusual cases. If your general dentist feels that you require specialized care, they may refer you to an endodontist.
What Will Happen During My Root Canal?
Put your anxiety about root canals aside! Once your Greater Houston, TX root canal dentist begins, you can expect the appointment to last for about an hour. However, molar root canals sometimes take longer. Here's a glimpse at everything that will happen during your root canal appointment:
- To begin, your dentist will numb the area to ensure your full comfort!
- The tooth being treated will be isolated. This is typically done with a rubber sheet that protects the tooth from bacteria and saliva.
- Next, your dentist will create an access cavity in the tooth that's being treated. This cavity creates access to the tooth's canals. It will be small enough for the thinnest of instruments to be used during your procedure.
- After cleaning your canals, the dentist will shape and smooth them into hollow tubes that will be irrigated as part of the debris removal.
- The dentist will fill the canals with biocompatible material before sealing them with dental cement.
- A temporary filling will be used to close the access cavity that was created. This filling will be removed when your custom dental crown is ready.
While you'll be able to resume all normal activities following your root canal, you will be advised to chew carefully until your permanent crowd has been placed. Some patients experience minor discomfort for a day or two following a root canal. Most patients are able to get full pain relief using over-the-counter pain relievers.
How Much Do Root Canals Cost?
The cost of a root canal procedure varies by patient and circumstance. While our office cannot provide you with a blanket estimate without examining your tooth, we will be happy to provide you with a custom estimate after you see a root canal dentist from our office. A tooth's location and condition are two major factors that influence the cost of a root canal. Generally, front teeth are less expensive to treat compared to molars because their root networks aren't as extensive. Patients with dental insurance can expect to have some coverage for root canals. For patients looking for the most affordable option possible, it's helpful to know that having a root canal performed by a dentist is generally less expensive than working with an endodontist.
Contact our office to make an appointment with a root canal specialist in Greater Houston, TX to get a custom quote!
Is Every Root Canal Performed the Same Way?
No! Your procedure will be customized based on the specifics of your decay. However, most patients will need nothing more than a simple root canal. If you have an infected tooth as the result of a failed root canal, you may require endodontic surgery to correct the issue.
Children with tooth decay undergo different procedures than adults. Root canals for children are actually called pediatric pulpotomies. During this procedure, infected pulp is removed from the tooth's chamber. The tooth is then crowned with the root pulp still intact to help preserve the tooth until the adult tooth is ready to grow in.
How Much Does a Root Canal Hurt?
One of the many misconceptions about root canals is that they hurt! In reality, modern root canals are generally painless, comfortable experiences for patients. Your dentist will use a customized amount of local anesthetics to numb the tooth prior to your treatment. If you've been living with tooth pain, the relief that you will experience once the rot has been addressed will be more than worth the minor inconvenience! If you're ready to talk to a dentist in Greater Houston, TX specializing in root canals, our office is waiting to help you!
Is There a Good Dentist for a Root Canal Near Me?
Get help from a caring, compassionate team when you call Made Ya Smile to book an appointment with a dentist for a root canal near you in Greater Houston, TX. Dental pain is a sign that something is wrong. Don't hesitate to call today for an appointment with root canal specialists in Greater Houston, TX!