Root Canal Therapy in Little Elm
Most people who are told they need root canal therapy feel at least a little nervous about this procedure. Unfortunately, the misperceptions about this beneficial procedure have lingered for many years. Dr. Suri assures her patients that, with numbing medication and sedation, root canal therapy can be a comfortable, effective treatment for infection.
What is root canal therapy?
Dentists recommend root canal therapy when a tooth has been severely damaged by infection or decay. When a tooth sustains a great deal of damage, a very intense toothache may develop. This alone is enough to send you to the dentist for urgent care. Infection, however, can also spread to other teeth and to the gum tissue, increasing the risk of abscess. If infection is not treated quickly, more will be required to repair the tooth, possibly even surgery. Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure that removes infected pulp tissue from the center of the tooth. In the pulp chamber, there are also vessels and nerves. These structures are also removed before the entire root canal is cleaned and sterilized. Once this step is completed, Dr. Suri applies a biocompatible material into the canal to seal it off from bacteria. In most cases, the tooth is restored with a temporary crown, which remains in place for about two weeks until the final crown is bonded to the tooth.
Why pulp is removed
When bacteria make their way through the tough outer shell of enamel, they can move much more quickly through softer dentin and pulp. Infection can cause persistent pain, which worsens as infection progresses down the root of the affected tooth. In order to eliminate the painful infection, it is necessary to remove diseased tissues. Once treated, the infected tooth is functional and pain-free.
Do you need a root canal?
There are several indications that infection may be present in the root canal. These include:
- Swollen gums
- Sensitivity to warm or cool foods and drinks
- Mild to moderate pain that persists or throbs
- Sharp, intense pain in a tooth
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Pus in gum tissue (abscess)
Sometimes, there are no obvious symptoms to indicate infection in the pulp chamber of a tooth. Routine visits with your dentist are extremely important to detect problems early before they can become uncomfortable and distracting.
If you are experiencing even mild sensitivity or pain, your teeth are telling you something! Schedule your visit with Dr. Suri at Frisco Elm Dental to explore your treatment options.
Frisco Elm Dental
Dr. Vidya Suri
A graduate from University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry, Dr. Vidya Suri is an established dentist who prioritizes her patients and strives to provide them with the best possible dental care. She brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and skills including her ability to pay close attention to the details to provide her patients with the most optimal outcomes that exceed their expectations.
Dr. Suri treats patients of all ages. In order to ensure that she is doing her best, she regularly participates in continuing education courses to stay abreast of new practices, technology, and advancements in the industry. Dr. Suri is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association.
