Root Canal Specialist
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Garden Oaks Dental
Dentists located in Houston, TX
Root canals have a reputation for being a scary dental procedure, but Garden Oaks Dental in Houston, Texas, makes the process as easy and comfortable as possible. A root canal can eliminate the pain of an aching tooth and is often the best option for saving your tooth. As a full-service dental practice, Garden Oaks Dental offers root canals in the office for all teeth except molars. If you have a toothache or gum pain, call the office or book an appointment online for an examination and treatment plan.
Root Canal Q & A
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure aimed at saving a tooth that’s damaged or infected. In order to save your tooth, the dental specialists at Garden Oaks Dental must remove the pulp, which is the living part inside your tooth made up of tissue and cells. The pulp must be removed to either prevent infection in the case of a damaged tooth or to remove the infection.
How do I know I need a root canal?
You may not know you need a root canal until the dentist at Garden Oaks Dental tells you at your regularly scheduled appointment.
However, some symptoms may indicate a need for a root canal, such as:
- Toothache or gum pain
- Sensitivity to temperature
- Facial swelling
- Darkened tooth
- Bad taste in your mouth
A root canal may also be necessary if you have a deep cavity or your tooth is cracked or injured.
What happens during a root canal?
You may require at least two visits to Garden Oaks Dental for a root canal. After your dentist examines you and determines that you need to have a root canal, you come in for the root canal procedure. To ease discomfort during treatment, the dental specialist uses anesthesia.
Once you’re prepped, the dentist opens a hole in your tooth to removes the pulp and cleans the inside of your tooth. Antibiotics kill any remaining bacteria, then a special filling is poured into your tooth and sealed.
A temporary filling or crown is placed while a permanent filling or crown is made. Once ready, the team at Garden Oaks Dental will have you come back in for permanent placement of your filling or crown.
Your tooth may be sensitive for the first few days after the root canal.
How do I take care of my teeth after a root canal?
To reduce the likelihood of another root canal, the team at Garden Oaks Dental recommends you continue to brush and floss daily. For a thorough cleaning, you should be spending up to two minutes twice a day brushing your teeth.
The team also recommends you continue to come in for your regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings for continued oral care.
If you have concerns about a tooth and think you may need a root canal, call or book an appointment online to see a gentle and caring dental expert.
