Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure used to treat problems in the pulp, or the soft inner tissue, of a tooth. To help restore your smile, Dr. Gayle Fletcher and Dr. Xin Li use this treatment to remove the damaged or infected root tissue and replace the cleaned and disinfected area with a biocompatible material to repair the tooth.
When Is Root Canal Therapy Needed?
Root canal therapy may be necessary when the pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and lead to a dental abscess.
What Are the Steps of Root Canal Therapy?
During the first step of root canal therapy, our dentists will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then, we will create an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp. Next, we remove the infected or damaged pulp and clean and disinfect the root canal. Finally, the space is filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, and the tooth is sealed with a dental filling or dental crown.
Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
Root canal therapy is often associated with pain, but with modern techniques and anesthesia, the procedure is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. It is not out of the ordinary to experience sensitivity or soreness after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
For more details about root canal therapy in Conroe, Texas, or to schedule an appointment with our dentists, call Patient-First Dental Care today at 936-856-9969.