Root Canal in Garland TX
It is a field of dentistry that treats the root canal system found within the tooth itself. When decay extends to the pulp or the “nerve” inside the tooth, the person almost always experiences discomfort. The pain typically increases at night and may be aggravated with cold, hot, or sweet foods. Root canal therapy relieves this discomfort and saves the tooth itself.
Root canal treatment begins with profound local anesthesia. The tissues inside the tooth are accessed by prepping down inside the tooth where the living tissue is located. Then mechanical removal of the infected tissues is completed which also shapes the canals, preparing them for a nice smooth, clean and sterile fill. The canals are cleaned with very potent chemicals and are then filled with a bio-inert or bio-compatible material known as gutta-percha which is even further sealed by a sealer material.
Following root canal treatment, the tooth becomes more fragile due to physical weakening from the original decay and the fact that the tooth is no longer nourished from the inside out since all the living tissues have been removed by mechanical instrumentation. This drying out of the tooth renders the tooth much more prone to fracture which is why a full coverage crown is almost always indicated. This helps preserve the natural tooth for the longest time possible. Sometimes color changes are also observed in root canal treated teeth that have not had crowns. Sometimes, depending upon the amount of tooth structure that is lost, a post (typically a fiber post) will need to be placed for added retention of the crown. To learn more please call our office today.
