Root Canal Therapy in Coppell
At Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics, we offer comfortable root canal therapy. No, that’s not a typo! Root canals have garnered a negative reputation over the years as a very painful procedure. Fortunately this is untrue, as they are actually one of the best ways to relieve extreme dental pain and are often the only way to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. With today’s techniques and soothing sedation, we can make sure that your procedure is a breeze.
Why do I need a root canal?
Sometimes teeth sustain internal damage due to a deep cavity, a fracture, or other trauma. When that happens, an infection can develop. Left untreated, you may experience acute discomfort as well as tooth decay, gum, and bone loss. Even if your tooth isn’t hurting, the nerve may be compromised and require special attention.
How does a root canal help?
During your root canal, one of our doctors will remove the inflamed or infected nerve tissue to eliminate pain and save your tooth. Then, we’ll fill your newly cleaned tooth with a special material and seal it with a crown that will protect it and let you smile in comfort.
If you need root canal therapy, don’t hesitate to call our Coppell office for treatment. Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics is happy to offer root canals to patients from Lewisville, Irving, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Arlington, Frisco, and beyond.
Root Canal FAQ’s
Root canal therapy is a procedure that has been used for over one hundred years, yet many people still have questions about it. Root canal therapy is a necessary treatment that you may need during the course of your life. If you have a root canal coming up or are just curious about the procedure, we can help! Read on to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about receiving a root canal in Coppell.
What Occurs During Root Canal Therapy?
After we ensure that you’re numb and comfortable, we will make a tiny hole in your tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. We will remove any infected or damaged tissue before disinfecting the inside of your tooth. After, your tooth is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta percha, which will strengthen it for the future. Lastly, your tooth will be filled, or it will need a crown for protection, depending on how severe the infection or damage was.
Are Root Canals Painful?
When you think of a root canal, you may automatically associate it with pain and discomfort. However, the reality is that we use root canal therapy to get patients out of pain rather than put them in it. Typically, root canal therapy won’t cause any more discomfort than a regular filling would. We will ensure that you’re numb and relaxed before beginning. Plus, we offer sedation dentistry for patients who feel they need an extra sense of calm during their appointment.
Is There an Alternative to Root Canal Therapy?
The only alternative to a root canal is getting your entire tooth extracted to prevent additional decay and infection. Root canals have a success rate of over 90%, so you should feel confident in electing for this procedure to save your tooth. Besides affecting your appearance, a missing tooth can also cause serious health issues like shifting teeth, jawbone deterioration, difficulty eating, and even additional tooth loss.
What Should I Expect After Receiving a Root Canal?
After receiving a root canal, you may experience some mild sensitivity for the first few days, but this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. We will recommend that you avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you’ve fully recovered or received a permanent restoration. If you still feel discomfort after more than just a few days, call our office right away!
How Can I Avoid Needing Root Canal Therapy in the Future?
While we offer quality and consistent root canal therapy when our patients need it, they can thankfully be avoided. Root canals are typically needed because of poor oral hygiene that results in infection. To avoid root canal therapy, brush and floss your teeth daily and be sure to visit our dentist in Coppell for routine checkups and cleanings. You should also avoid poor lifestyle choices like regular tobacco use and heavy consumption of alcohol.