Root canal therapy repairs the pulp tissue that houses nerves and vessels that provide the vitality of the tooth and consequently preserves a tooth that has become irreversibly infected mostly due to a large decay. During the endodontic treatment, Dr. Joon Baek removes nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth in order to control the spreading infection. Once the infection is removed, the space is cleaned and sealed. A successful root canal procedure can prevent the need for tooth extraction.
While some individuals imagine that the procedure is painful, most patients report that the treatment is no more painful than having a filling placed. Root canals can actually relieve pain because infections are often quite painful.
If you live in or around McAllen, TX and are experiencing tooth pain, you may have an infection that requires root canal therapy. Don’t put off addressing the symptoms of an advanced tooth infection. Left untreated, the infection can spread to your jawbone and surrounding tissues, which can place your health in jeopardy.
Signs that You May Require Root Canal Therapy
Root canals are performed to treat advanced infections. When advanced decay, trauma, or another dental problem allows bacteria to reach the tooth’s inner pulp (the network of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue inside our teeth), the patient is said to have a root canal infection. The body is unable to fight this advanced form of infection.
Many of the patients who come to our McAllen dental practice seeking the restorative benefits of root canal therapy are experiencing:
- Pain while chewing
- Spontaneous toothache
- Swollen gum
- Lingering throbbing pain on cold or hot
- Temperature sensitivity
- Jawbone pain
- Facial swelling
During your exam, Dr. Baek will treat your root canal infection as a dental emergency, meaning your care will become a top priority until the procedure is completed. Dr. Baek may take images of your tooth to determine how advanced the infection is and how far it may have spread.
Fortunately, the inner pulp of any tooth is not vitally important to allow a tooth to remain viable. The inner nerves mostly serve a sensory role. Following your root canal, your natural tooth can be retained for the rest of your life.
How Are Root Canals Performed?
Root canals are performed using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Baek will use a drill to access the inner part of your tooth. Then, the infected nerves and pulp will be removed before the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Following the outpatient procedure, Dr. Baek will provide you with recovery guidelines that will include tips for managing discomfort. Most post-operative discomfort can be managed using over-the-counter medications. If you experience significant side effects or sudden pain in the days following your procedure, please let our office know immediately.
Schedule Your Root Canal in McAllen, TX Today
Root canal therapy is an effective treatment for restoring oral health following a root canal infection. If you are experiencing a severe toothache, you may have an advanced infection. Left untreated, the infection can and will spread into jawbone, which can potentially cauae a serious infection.
Once your root canal therapy has been completed, you can enjoy relief from pain and a healthy smile. Dr. Baek uses the most current technology to treat your teeth with minimal discomfort. To schedule your visit, please contact our office online or call (956) 618-5811.