If you’re dealing with severe tooth pain or sensitivity, you might need a root canal. Cherokee Dental Professionals in Jacksonville, TX has helped countless patients feel better and save their natural teeth with this effective procedure. A root canal doesn’t cause pain, it relieves it. Our experienced team makes the process as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Root Canal Treatment
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, fixes problems deep inside your tooth by addressing damaged or infected pulp tissue. This soft tissue, which houses nerves and blood vessels, can become irritated or inflamed from decay, trauma, or extensive dental work.
When the pulp becomes infected, it can lead to serious pain, swelling, abscesses, or even tooth loss. Root canal therapy removes the infection, seals the tooth to prevent further damage, and lets you keep your natural tooth functioning like it should.
DON’T DELAY A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Putting off a root canal might seem tempting, but waiting can make the problem worse. Infections often spread, causing more pain and potentially leading to bigger, more expensive issues like tooth loss or bone deterioration.
By treating the problem early, we can preserve your tooth and help you avoid:
- Shifting Teeth: Missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to move out of alignment.
- Expensive Replacements: Dental implants or bridges cost more and take longer than saving your tooth.
- Jawbone Loss: Keeping your tooth helps maintain the bone structure around it.
A root canal may sound intimidating, but it’s actually a straightforward solution to a serious problem, and it is designed to help you feel better quickly.
What Causes Root Canal Problems?
Infections inside your tooth don’t happen overnight. Here are some of the main reasons people end up needing root canals:
- Deep Cavities: Untreated tooth decay can reach the pulp and cause infection.
- Cracks or Chips: Even small cracks can let bacteria sneak into your tooth.
- Trauma: Sports injuries, falls, or other accidents can damage the pulp.
- Multiple Dental Procedures: A tooth with several fillings or restorations may weaken over time.
If any of these sound familiar, don’t ignore the signs. Catching problems early can make a big difference.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
No one looks forward to dental work. But root canal therapy isn’t as daunting as it sounds. Here’s what happens:
- Numbing the Tooth: First, we use a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Cleaning the Tooth: We carefully open the tooth, remove the infected pulp, and clean out the canals.
- Sealing the Tooth: The cleaned canals are filled with a durable, biocompatible material and sealed to prevent further issues.
- Restoring the Tooth: Most of the time, we recommend a crown to protect the tooth and restore its full strength and appearance.
It’s a precise and efficient process, and for many patients, it’s no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
How to Tell if You Might Need a Root Canal
Sometimes, the signs of a tooth infection are hard to ignore. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to schedule an evaluation:
- Persistent, severe tooth pain or pressure.
- Swelling, tenderness, or redness in your gums.
- Pain when biting or chewing.
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold.
- A chipped, cracked, or darkened tooth.
These symptoms can point to pulp damage, and the sooner we treat it, the better.
Your Smile Matters to Us
Cherokee Dental Professionals is here to help you protect your natural teeth and your health. Root canal therapy is just one of the ways we make that happen. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or other symptoms, don’t hesitate to call. We’ll guide you through the process and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.
Saving your tooth is easier and less intimidating than you might think. Let us help you get back to living pain-free and smiling with confidence. Call Cherokee Dental Professionals in Jacksonville, TX, today to schedule your appointment.