As the name implies, root canals are used to treat diseased or damaged roots of teeth, also known as tooth nerve canals. If you don’t know what’s that about, don’t worry! In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about root canals in Houston and the surrounding areas from the most common causes of tooth nerve damage to how to handle your treatment with your family dentist to how much does it cost. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
How do you know if you need a root canal?
A common myth about root canals is that you only need one if you have a toothache. But a toothache isn’t an indicator of a root canal. Some people might be more susceptible to pain than others and thus feel pain from a root canal long before others do. If you experience intense pain, it could indicate that your tooth is dead or dying, but other factors might also be at play. For example, some food or drinks can cause sensitivity that leads to discomfort and/or pain. It’s important not to jump right into getting a root canal without first ruling out other possibilities with your dentist.
Who performs the procedure?
An endodontist, or root canal specialist, is an oral surgeon who specializes in treating teeth and their related tissues. He or she can also be a general dentist who focuses on root canals; alternatively, an endodontist may be called a periodontist. Either way, you’ll want to make sure your root canal expert is certified by one of several reputable organizations, including: The American Board of Endodontics (ABE), The National Board of Dental Examiners (NBDE), The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education.
How can I prepare for my appointment?
There are a few things you can do before your appointment that will make both you and your dentist more comfortable. For starters, be sure to do a thorough job of brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice daily. In addition, avoid eating anything but soft foods on days leading up to your appointment. Alcohol, too, should be avoided as it weakens gums and may interfere with sedation. Finally, try not to smoke for 24 hours prior; smoking also interferes with sedation and slows blood flow — two things that make root canal procedures more difficult and painful for patients.
The actual procedure
A root canal procedure is necessary when tooth pulp becomes infected or inflamed. Before a root canal can be perform, an x-ray must be taken of your tooth and an exam done by a dentist to determine how much pain you are experiencing and if you have a fever or other symptoms such as swelling, redness or tenderness. Once your mouth has been numbed with a local anesthetic, your dentist will make several small holes through your outer tooth layers using specialie instruments and/or drills. The inner layer of your tooth (the dentin) will then be clean out to remove any decayed tissue. A filling material will then be placed into these holes so that they can heal and seal over while keeping you comfortable.
Recovering from your root canal treatment
What are root canals? Are root canals painful? How do you treat a dental abscess? Does an infected tooth mean I need a root canal? What is involved in an implant procedure? All these questions and more will be answer by our experienced dentists. Schedule your appointment today!
Costs and insurance coverage
Like most dental procedures, root canals tend to cost more with each year that passes. A typical root canal costs $508 on average, although prices will vary depending on where you live and how many fillings or crowns you’ve had done before. Although dental insurance covers basic cleanings and x-rays, it typically doesn’t cover treatment for serious tooth decay or injuries caused by trauma. If your dentist recommends a root canal treatment, ask if there are other options—such as a filling or crown—that can be use instead. In some cases, root canals aren’t necessary; an infected pulp is remove and a protective seal is place over the tooth’s interior chamber. In these instances, no surgery needs to be performe and further treatment isn’t require.
Frequently asked questions about Houston root canals
With all of your questions about root canals, what do you really need to know? We’ll cover all of your most pressing concerns here. If you have more questions after that, call our office today. Root canal houston is not a painful procedure. In fact, most patients don’t feel any pain during it at all; they’re just numb with anesthetic and relax while their tooth gets fix. Post-surgery instructions are straightforward: chew only on one side of your mouth for a few days or until you get use to your new crown or filling. When it comes time for us to perform root canal houston, we want you to be comfortable—that means providing gentle care with high-tech gear and a warm smile from our dental team throughout each stage of treatment.
