WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?
A root canal in Pearland is a procedure which removes the decayed and infected part of the tooth. Without treatment, the tissues surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
WHY DOES TOOTH PULP NEEDS TO BE REMOVED?
When the tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. So, the pulp needs to be removed.
WHAT DAMAGES A TOOTH’S NERVE AND PULP IN THE FIRST PLACE?
Deep decay, repeated dental procedures, large filling, cracking/ chipping of tooth can be responsible for damage to a tooth’s nerve or pulp.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL?
- The dentist will numb the area
- A hole is drilled in the infected tooth and decay is removed from it
- The hole will be sealed with a filling called gutta percha
- A crown is placed on the tooth
HOW PAINFUL IS A ROOT CANAL?
The local anesthesia doesn’t allow you to feel any pain during the procedure.
WHAT SHOULD ONE EXPECT AFTER THE ROOT CANAL?
For the first few days, the tooth may feel sensitive along with a little discomfort. However, it can be controlled with the help of OTC medications.
HOW SUCCESSFUL ARE ROOT CANALS?
The root canal treatment is highly successful and there is no issue post the procedure in 95% of the cases.
COMPLICATIONS OF A ROOT CANAL
Despite of the dentist removing the infection and cleaning and sealing the cavity, sometimes a new infection might emerge after the root canal procedure.
COST OF A ROOT CANAL
The cost of root canal when performed by a general dentist for an incisor can range from 500 to 1000 dollars while for a molar it can range from 800 to 1500 dollars.
ALTERNATIVES TO A ROOT CANAL
The only alternative to root canal is getting the tooth extracted, but it is always recommended to save your natural tooth.
ROOT CANAL PREVENTION
If you wish to prevent getting a root canal done, it’s important to take care of your oral hygiene and visit the dentist every 6 months for dental cleaning.