Root Canal Therapy – Midland, TX
Stopping the Spread of Infection
When people hear the words “root canal,” they automatically cringe. Unfortunately, myths and misinformation have led people to believe this type of treatment is extremely painful when in fact, it is designed to get rid of the pain and provide patients with much-deserved relief. When teeth are severely decayed or damaged and an infection reaches the inner layers, root canals in Midland are the only way to ensure a patient keeps their natural teeth. Dr. Drisdale is highly skilled at performing such procedures, effectively removing the decayed portion and providing the tooth with the added protection it needs to keep infection. To learn more about tooth-saving root canal therapy in Midland, TX, contact our dental office today.
Why Choose John K. Drisdale D.M.D. for Root Canal Therapy?
- Two Dental Sedation Methods Available
- Pain-Free & Effective Root Canal Therapy
- Customized & Durable Dental Crowns
Candidates for Root Canal Therapy
Oftentimes, deciphering between a regular toothache and one that is in need of a root canal can be difficult; however, there are ways you can tell if a tooth needs this type of therapy:
- You have increased sensitivity when eating or drinking items that are hot or cold
- A fever develops
- Pimple-like sores develop on your gums near the infected tooth
- You have difficulty chewing or biting
- The side of your face with the infected tooth becomes swollen
Whether damaged by a sports-related injury or fall, or your oral hygiene habits aren’t up to par, the symptoms listed above are all signs that damage or decay has reached the innermost layer of your tooth, the pulp.
When this happens, you need to call our dental office immediately. Your dentist in Midland can examine the injured tooth and determine if a root canal is the appropriate method of treatment. While it is the goal to save the tooth, if damage or decay is too severe, the only viable option may be to extract it.
Details of the Procedure
When preparing for a root canal, you can expect Dr. Drisdale and your dental team to answer any questions or concerns you have prior to surgery. Once you are in the dentist chair, you will receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Using a dental dam, which is a sheet of rubber, he will isolate the injured tooth. With specialized tools, he will begin by creating a small opening in the crown of the tooth before cleaning out the damaged pulp from inside of it. Once the inner portion is cleared and shaped accordingly, he will irrigate it to flush out any remaining pulp.
Dr. Drisdale will then use what is known as “gutta percha” to fill the tooth. This rubber-like substance will seal the tooth, protecting it from further reinfection. Lastly, he will place a temporary dental crown over the weakened tooth, giving it additional protection. Your permanent crown will be placed a few weeks after your procedure.
Benefits of a Root Canal
If you are concerned that a root canal isn’t the best method of treatment, allow us to share the many benefits this type of restorative care can offer:
- It allows you to keep your natural tooth instead of having it extracted.
- Not only is it safe and effective, but it is also cost-effective.
- You can expect to experience no pain during the procedure.
- The restoration you’ll receive is customized to match the color, size, and shape of your tooth, giving you a beautifully blended smile.
Root Canal FAQs
It’s normal to feel nervous upon being told that you need a root canal in Midland, especially if you’re not sure what is going to happen during the procedure or what you can expect afterwards. Let Dr. Drisdale and the rest of our team know if there’s anything you want to know about root canal therapy so that you can feel relaxed and confident about moving forward with the treatment to stop your pain and protect your smile. Below we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about this often misunderstood treatment.
Is It Painful to Have a Root Canal Done?
Many people have the preconception that root canal therapy is an extremely painful process. However, thanks to modern dental technology and the latest techniques, this is not the case. Many patients have said that having a root canal done was no more uncomfortable than receiving a filling for a cavity. The tooth and the area around it will be completely numbed to keep you comfortable during the procedure. In reality, the pain associated with root canal therapy mainly comes from the infection that it’s designed to treat, and you’ll experience considerable relief once procedure is completed.
How Will My Mouth Feel After the Procedure is Done?
You’ll likely have some tenderness or minor discomfort after root canal therapy, especially when biting down. This is, of course, typical of any oral surgery. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen if you need to. Until the treated tooth has been restored with a permanent crown, it’s best to chew with the other side of your mouth to avoid further discomfort. Most patients recover from a root canal after a few days, though some may need a week or two. If your own recovery process is taking longer than that, let us know right away.
How Should I Take Care of My Mouth While Recovering from a Root Canal?
Take any medication that has been prescribed according to the directions you’ve received. Plan on eating softer foods that are easy on the teeth and gums; you can start eating more solid foods when you feel comfortable. You can brush normally while recovering from root canal therapy, but be gentle around the tooth that was treated. Your pain should subside over time; if it gets worse, call our office immediately so that we can take appropriate action.
What are the Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy?
If you want to save a tooth that’s suffering from infected dental pulp, there are no alternatives to root canal therapy. The only other option is to have the tooth removed altogether and replace it with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. Not only is tooth extraction often said to be more uncomfortable than root canal therapy, but you’ll have to pay for the replacement. We highly recommend having root canal therapy performed if it’s still viable; a tooth extraction should only be performed as a last resort.
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