All You Need to Know Before Considering Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy can repair or save teeth that are decayed or infected. Many of our patients in Haslet, TX fear root canals because they are scared of tooth pain. However, the discomfort that leads up to getting a root canal is considered more uncomfortable than root canal therapy itself. At Riley Dental, Dr. Luke Riley performs root canal therapy for men and women in the North Richland Hills area to restore a patient’s oral health. During a dental exam, our team listens to your symptoms and evaluates your teeth and gums to determine when you need a root canal and to restore your oral health.

What is a root canal?

During a root canal in Haslet, TX, we first drill through the diseased tooth to reach inside the pulp. Next, we clean your tooth thoroughly and remove the pulp completely. Once the pulp is removed, and your tooth cleaned, gutta-percha is placed inside your tooth to close off the tooth entirely so that infection cannot occur again. A temporary filling is placed on the tooth. At another appointment, we will place a custom crown that restores a tooth.

Signs you need a root canal

There are many common signs that you need a root canal in Haslet, TX, including:

Tooth discoloration
Prolonged tooth sensitivity
Severe tooth pain, especially when biting or chewing
Swelling in the gums around a specific tooth
Persistent or recurring pimple along your gumline

While these are common symptoms, sometimes you may have no symptoms at all. This makes it important to have regular dental examinations and dental cleanings at Riley Dental to ensure your oral health remains its best.

Why do you need a root canal?

A tooth’s pulp can become infected or inflamed due to broken, cracked, or chipped teeth, facial trauma, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or severe tooth decay. The pulp of your tooth contains nerve cells, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Untreated cavities allow bacteria to work to this center of the tooth, where an infection develops. While tooth pain can go away, an infection cannot without root canal therapy. Ultimately, any opening in the tooth enamel gives bacteria the opportunity to access your pulp. This makes it important to schedule an appointment at our Haslet, TX dental office when you feel any type of tooth pain.

Is there an alternative to root canal therapy?

The only real alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. However, our team works diligently to save teeth at Riley Dental. Removing a tooth can lead to loss of jawbone and cause your teeth to shift. This is why we recommend root canal therapy to our patients.

Restore your oral health with root canal therapy

When you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, tooth pain, or red or tender gums, it’s important to visit Riley Dental for a dental exam. Dr. Luke Riley or a member of our team will evaluate your teeth and gums to determine when you need a root canal in Haslet, TX. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible when you have signs of needing a root canal.