Save Your Smile by Following the Signs that You May Need Root Canal Therapy

A root canal might be the most-feared dental procedure in the world. It’s often seen in a more negative light than the symptoms it resolves. However, for millions of patients, saving their teeth is a must. If you believe you see signs you need a root canal, Dr. Vidya Suri of Frisco Elm Dental can help keep your smile using endodontic therapy that’s safe, effective, and more comfortable than you think.

What’s Involved in a Root Canal

Dentists often recommend root canal therapy to patients when a tooth is severely damaged by decay or infection. After a tooth suffers an extreme amount of damage, patients often experience intense pain in the form of toothache. This symptom is enough to rush many to their local dentist for urgent care.

However, the infection may spread to surrounding teeth and gum tissue, dramatically increasing the risk of an abscess. If the condition isn’t treated in time, a dentist must utilize more invasive treatments to repair the infected tooth, including possible surgery.

Root canal treatment is a ubiquitous dental procedure in which Dr. Suri removes infected pulp tissue nestled in the center of an infected tooth. This area, known as the pulp chamber, contains numerous nerves and vessels that must be removed before the root canal is sterilized and cleaned.

After completing this step, Dr. Suri then applies some biocompatible material directly into the root canal that seals it from more harmful bacteria. In most cases, she can restore the tooth using a temporary crown that stays in place for roughly two weeks until she bonds the permanent crown to the tooth.

Why is Removing Pulp So Important?

After bacteria makes its way through the protective outer shell of your tooth’s enamel, it moves faster through the much softer dentin and pulp. The infection often causes inflammation which induces intense and persistent pain. This pain will only worsen as the disease goes down to the infected tooth’s root. These diseased tissues must be taken out to cure the painful condition. After treatment, the infected tooth will again be functional and pain-free.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

There are some undeniable indicators that you may require a root canal, which include:

• Increased sensitivity to cool or warm drinks and food
• Swollen gums
• Sharp and intense pain deep within the tooth
• Pus found inside the gum tissue (also known as an abscess)
• Moderate jaw pain that throbs or persists
• Tooth discoloration

There are also times when infected teeth present no apparent symptoms, which is why routine visits to your dentist are so important.

Feel Better Sooner than Later

While tooth canal therapies aren’t the most pleasant experience, they could be necessary to save your smile and relieve your tooth pain. Learn more about how Dr. Suri can resolve tooth pain with minor discomfort by contacting Frisco Elm Dental at (214) 705-7100 to schedule your consultation today. Our office address is 2043 FM 423 #100, Little Elm, TX.

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Frisco Elm Dental

Dr. Vidya Suri

Dr. Vidya Suri is a dedicated and experienced dentist with over a decade of practice. She earned her dental degree from the prestigious University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry. She is a proud member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence. Dr. Suri is passionate about creating beautiful smiles and improving patients' quality of life. Her practice is known for its accessibility, offering flexible scheduling and cost-effective treatments. Patients trust her for her compassionate care and expertise in both oral health and cosmetic dentistry.

Frisco Elm Dental

Dr. Tran

Dr. Tran brings over 15 years of comprehensive experience in general dentistry to our practice. He graduated from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, in 2006 and completed a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the Dental Branch in Houston. His commitment to empowering individuals towards healthier lifestyles, including dental health, underscores his dedication and trustworthiness. Dr. Tran is an active member of several professional dental associations, reflecting his expertise and authority in the field.