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human-tooth-digital-illustration-teeth-cross-section-isolated-3d-rendering do i need a root canal pflugerville georgetown giddings

Do I Need a Root Canal

Root canals can save or repair teeth that have been damaged by infection or decay. When a tooth does not get needed root canal treatment, the surrounding tissue may become infected and surrounded by abscesses. Root canals consist of removing the inflamed and infected nerve and pulp of the tooth.

Root canals are available at Viva Smiles Family Dental in Georgetown and the surrounding area. Do not put off saving your tooth. Click here to make an appointment today. If you find yourself asking, “do I need a root canal?” You won’t have to look any further to get that question answered.

 

Resolving Pain With Root Canals

You wake up and wonder, “do I need a root canal?” The dental issues that cause the need for root canals often make patients uncomfortable. At the bare minimum, patients will experience an excruciating toothache. These toothaches may be spontaneous, occurring even when the patient is not using the tooth. Eventually, this may evolve into a severe headache. Many patients often do not make the connection between the toothache and the headache.

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“The underlying causes of root canals can often make patients uncomfortable.”
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When to See a Dentist About Root Canals

Many different factors may contribute to a patient needing a root canal. These conditions can have you scratching your head in Georgetown | Pflugerville | Giddings, Texas asking yourself, “do I need a root canal?” These conditions can manifest themselves as various symptoms. These include chips or cracks in teeth, pain while eating or touching the tooth, persistent pain, sensitivity to heat and cold, and swollen gums.

Chips or cracks in the tooth allow empty spaces for bacteria to settle in and cause infection and inflammation, while tooth sensitivity may be a sign of severe decay or nerve damage. In general, toothaches are a sign a patient should see a dentist.

Tooth sensitivity may linger longer when the blood vessels and nerves in the tooth have become infected or damaged. Swelling may also come and go. It is frequently associated with abscesses, which may be accompanied by unpleasant taste and odor.

Infected teeth may also feel looser than healthy teeth, due to nerve death softening the bone. Furthermore, teeth may turn grayish-black when the roots have been damaged and the internal tissue has been broken down

“These conditions can manifest themselves as various symptoms.”

When Root Canals Are the Only Option

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“Root canal treatments are necessary when the pulp of the tooth has become inflamed or infected and needs to be removed.”

Alternatives to Root Canals

Root canals can help address any issues caused by infection and decay. However, for such treatment to be successful, there must be enough of the natural tooth remaining to save. While it is best to save and maintain natural teeth whenever possible, some teeth may be beyond repair. Teeth with severe fractures or cracks extending below the gum line, for example, may be better suited for extraction.

“However, for such treatment to be successful, there must be enough of the natural tooth remaining to save.”
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Emergency Root Canals

“Since every tooth that requires a root canal is in the process of dying, patients should consider every root canal an emergency procedure.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What happens during a root canal?

A. A root canal procedure may require multiple office visits. The first step is for our team to take an X-ray to see the shape of your root canals and look for any signs of infection. Then, during the actual procedure, the dentist removes the inflamed nerve and pulp of the tooth. The inside of the tooth will be cleaned and sealed.

 

Q. Is it painful to get a root canal?

A. It is a common misconception that root canals are excruciatingly painful. With modern technology, getting a root canal is not much more uncomfortable than getting a cavity filled. Root canals can address the causes of any pain you have been experiencing due to the damaged tissues.

 

Q. How long does it take to get a root canal?

A. This varies on a case-by-case basis. However, most patients can expect one or two 90-minute appointments.

 

Q. What should I do while recovering from a root canal?

A. Avoid placing any pressure on the affected area, and eat carefully. Refrain from chewing on the side of the mouth where you had your root canal. Opt for soft foods until your tooth has healed. Usually, patients can manage any pain or discomfort during this time with over-the-counter medication

 

Q. How long will it take me to recover from my root canal?

A. You may be uncomfortable for a few days after the anesthesia wears off, especially if you were already dealing with swelling and inflammation. You should be able to return to your normal activities as soon as the day after the procedure. If your pain worsens or does not subside, call our office immediately.

Dental Terminology

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.

Decay

Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
 

Dental Caries

Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
 

Dental Checkup

A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
 

Dental Filling

A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
 

Dental Prophylaxis

A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
 

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
 

Dentist

A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
 

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
 

Tartar

Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
 

Tooth Enamel

Learn More Today

For many patients, a root canal procedure is just what they need to save their tooth. We at Viva Smiles Family Dental may be able to help.

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