Do you have an intense throbbing in your tooth that started as a dull ache that won’t go away? Is your tooth sensitive to hot or cold food with a sensation that lasts for more than three seconds? If so, you may need root canal therapy. Don’t fret! Your Olympia Hills Family Dental team can relieve your tooth pain and save the infected tooth.
Dr. Hafen and his team aim to provide you and your family with the very best restorative care. If you are suffering from intense tooth pain, please schedule an appointment at our Olympia Hills Family Dental office as soon as possible.
What Is a Root Canal and How Can it Help Me?
Each tooth contains a pulp chamber filled with living nerve tissue. Nerves reach the pulp chamber and connect your tooth to the nervous system through tiny passages in your tooth roots. These passages are called ‘canals’ and when the nerves inside the tooth die due to decay or trauma, it rots and the pressure in your tooth continues to build until a root canal procedure is performed.
During a root canal, your dentist:
- Cleans out the dead nerve and rotted tissue
- Sterilizes the inside of the tooth
- Fills the tooth with a material called gutta-percha so that no bacteria may re-enter
Because the tooth no longer has any blood supply, it can become brittle over time and more susceptible to breakage. In most cases, your dentist will place a dental crown over your tooth after a root canal to protect and preserve your tooth.
What are the signs that my root nerves are damaged?
Catching the early warning signs of a root infection is important if you wish to spare yourself prolonged toothache and pain. These signs may include:
- Infection visible on an x-ray
- Swollen gum tissue
- Tooth/Gum pain
- Discoloration of the gums surrounding a tooth
The best way to prevent decay and damage is to take care of your teeth by maintaining proper dental hygiene techniques and meeting regular cleaning and exam dates.
I’m Interested in Seeing My Live Oak, TX, Dentistry Expert
If you live in the greater Live Oak, Universal City, Schertz, San Antonio, Garden Ridge, Selma, Cibolo, or New Braunfels area and are looking for a highly qualified dentistry team, schedule an appointment with us online or call us at: 210-658-3131
