Gentle Root Canals In Cibolo
If you have a persistent toothache that has lasted more than a few days, you may have an infected tooth that requires root canal therapy. At Cibolo Family Smiles, Dr. Patel has years of experience performing successful root canals, and he can help you get relief from the pain and discomfort. If you suspect that you have an infected tooth, or you have a large crack that has exposed the inner pulp of your tooth, call us today to schedule an appointment.
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is used to treat and restore infected teeth. If your enamel becomes damaged due by tooth decay or an oral injury, the vulnerable “pulp” which supports the inside of your tooth can become infected. This pulp is full of nerves and blood vessels, so this often results in a painful toothache. If you do not get treatment for an infected tooth, the pulp and interior structure of the tooth will eventually die, which can lead to tooth loss.
A root canal is used to prevent this from happening. During treatment, Dr. Patel will open up a small hole in your tooth, remove the infected material, and fill the empty space with an inert substance that restores the tooth’s structure. This gives you relief from the pain of an infected tooth, and gives you a carefree, healthy smile again.
What Are The Signs Of An Infected Tooth?
The most common sign of an infected tooth is a toothache. However, not all infected teeth cause a toothache, so you should be on the lookout for other signs of an infected tooth. These symptoms include sensitivity to heat, cold and pressure when chewing, discoloration of the tooth or the area around it, and swelling in the gums near the affected tooth.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, contact Dr. Patel for an emergency appointment in Cibolo or Schertz right away. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely it is that we will be able to save your infected tooth.
The Root Canal Process
- First, Dr. Patel will clean your tooth and isolate it with a rubber dental dam. This dental dam will prevent bacteria from spreading throughout your mouth during treatment.
- Next, he will remove the damaged enamel from your tooth and create a very small hole in your enamel.
- Through this hole in your tooth, Dr. Patel will remove all of the infected and decayed pulp.
- Once this process has been completed, he will flush the tooth and disinfect it.
- The empty space will be filled with a special rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” This material replaces your pulp and supports your tooth.
- Your tooth will be restored with a temporary filling or crown. In most cases, you will also need to come back in a few weeks to have a permanent crown fitted after your tooth has healed.
Are root canals painful?
No! root canals are not painful at all. In fact, they are only about as invasive as a filling. Your mouth will be numbed before treatment, ensuring that the nerves in your teeth will be blocked from any sensations of pain and discomfort.
Root canals do not cause any serious discomfort after treatment, either. Your tooth will likely feel somewhat tender and sore for a few days after your treatment, so you will need to brush it gently, and it’s a good idea to eat hard and crunchy foods on the opposite side of your mouth.
After about 2-3 days, though, your treated tooth should feel completely normal. If you notice serious pain and discomfort after 3-7 days or longer, you should contact Cibolo Family Smiles for a follow-up appointment.
Are root canals Safe?
Yes! Root canals are very safe, and there are no common side effects or complications associated with root canal therapy. The average root canal success rate is about 97%, so the procedure is extremely safe and effective.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
The cost of root canal therapy depends on a few different factors, such as the location of your tooth, the extent of the infection, and whether it can be repaired with a filling or will require a crown after treatment.
However, the treatment is usually quite affordable, especially compared to the cost of extracting and replacing a missing tooth. If you do not have a root canal, your infected tooth will eventually die, and you will need to have it removed and replaced with a dental implant, dental bridge or a partial denture. This will require the investment of a lot more time and money, compared to a root canal.
If you’d like to learn more and get an estimate for the cost of your root canal therapy, contact Cibolo Family Smiles for a consultation with Dr. Niraj Patel. Dr. Patel can take a look at your tooth, help you learn more about your options, and provide you with a quote for your procedure.