Root Canal Therapy in Dallas, TX

When a tooth that has decay in it is left untreated, it can cause a painful infection. The infection can cause abscesses filled with pus in the mouth and get into your bloodstream. If the infection reaches the bloodstream, then it can affect vital organs like the heart. To treat infected teeth, dentists may recommend root canals.

Saving Teeth with Root Canals

One reason for doing a root canal operation is to save the natural tooth. Most dentists prefer to save teeth if it’s possible to do so. Some patients are referred to endodontists in Dallas, TX, who do root canals, but one of our dentists at Yes Dental can perform root canals as well.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Our dentists in Dallas, TX, will recommend a root canal when decay is deep within the tooth. It may already be within the root of the tooth, or it may be just above it. While doing endodontics treatment, the dentist removes the root and the pulp to ensure the infection and decay are removed from the tooth.

If your tooth is poorly infected, then your dentist may give you a prescription of antibiotics to reduce pain, swelling, and to clear the infection. Then, once the tooth is free from infection, he or she will use a small drill to open the top of the tooth to clean out the decay.

The endodontics specialist will use several small files to clean out the decay and remove the pulp. These files will also help to reshape the canal and root. Finally, the inside of the tooth is rinsed with water to ensure the rest of the pulp, remaining debris, and decay are washed away.

Filling the Tooth

Once the tooth is dry, it is filled with a material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed temporarily as you wait for the crown to finish restoring the tooth. Crowning the tooth is vital because the weakened tooth could break if you don’t. Once it goes on top of the natural tooth, the root canal is complete, and you can use your tooth normally again.