The Root Cause of Your Tooth Pain
Constant toothache or pain can be a sign that your tooth is severely infected. Instead of worrying about having it removed, our Denton dentist, Dr. Patrick Ruehle, and our staff at Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can frequently save your tooth by performing a root canal. While root canals have a reputation for being painful, modern techniques make them quick and comfortable to effectively eliminate bacterial infection.
If you live in Denton and the nearby areas of Corinth, Lantana, Highland Village, and Ponder, TX, Dr. Ruehle can help save your tooth with root canal therapy. Read below to learn more about how you can benefit from this treatment and schedule an appointment.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a valuable treatment option that preserves an infected tooth by completely removing the bacteria inside the pulp. An untreated cavity can spread to the inside of your tooth, causing symptoms such as an increase in sensitivity and discoloration. With enough time, an infected tooth can also put your smile and overall oral health at risk for further complications.
Luckily, Dr. Ruehle and our team can use root canal therapy to prevent your tooth from threatening your smile. By removing the infected tissue, we can save your tooth from extraction and restore the health of your mouth.
Symptoms of Root Canal Infection
Root canal treatment may be necessary when the nerves of your tooth have been affected by trauma and decay. It’s crucial to understand the symptoms so you can receive immediate care for your infected tooth. Some of the signs include:
- Discolored teeth
- Persistent and painful toothaches
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Pain and discomfort while chewing
- Swollen or tender gums around the tooth
- Radiographic evidence of an infection
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we encourage you to call our Denton practice at (940) 566-4888 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ruehle. He’ll evaluate your case and determine the best course of action to improve your smile.
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Undergoing root canal therapy can seem intimidating. However, the procedure is fairly simple and can be easily completed by our team. Once completed, you’ll experience a variety of benefits. Root canal therapy can allow you to:
- Chew more easily
- Bite down normally and without pain
- Maintain your tooth’s natural appearance
- Prevent further infection and complications
- Recover with minimal discomfort
Our dental technology and techniques can make root canal therapy virtually painless.
The Root Canal Therapy Process
Dr. Ruehle and our team can usually complete your root canal treatment in as little as one appointment at our Denton office. The process of root canal therapy consists of four distinct steps:
- X-rays: Your dentist will begin by taking X-rays of your infected tooth to determine the extent of the damage and the best course of action for your oral health.
- Anesthesia: You’ll receive local anesthesia during your first appointment, so you won’t feel a thing while our team cleans the inside of your tooth. Many patients who have undergone root canals compare it to getting a filling.
- Pulp Removal: Dr. Ruehle will start the procedure by making a small opening in the tooth to remove the infected pulp. He’ll then use the Waterlase laser to thoroughly disinfect the inside of your tooth. This provides the highest level of disinfection.
- Dental Filling & Crown: Dr. Ruehle will use a filling material to hold the structure of your tooth. After the procedure, he’ll create a custom dental crown that will be placed over the tooth to keep it safe and strong.
Recovery & Aftercare
Within a week, your tooth and gums should feel significantly better. You can help your recovery by:
- Using ice packs to reduce swelling
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Eating soft foods for a few days
- Avoiding chewing on the treated tooth
Call your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Lingering pain that increases after the first few days
- Significant swelling
- Development of a bump on the gums
- Fever
These may indicate the development of an infection and need to be treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients tend to avoid root canal therapy since it has a reputation for being painful. However, the procedure is virtually painless since your dentist will apply a local anesthetic. That way, you won’t experience any discomfort or anxiety during your treatment. It’s important to seek treatment if your tooth has become severely infected or sensitive.
Root canal therapy can be completed in a single appointment that can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. This depends on several factors, including how many teeth are infected and the severity of your case. During your consultation with your dentist, they’ll assess your oral health and give an accurate estimate as to how long your procedure may be.
Root canal therapy has an overall success rate of 98 percent. Your dentist will use the latest in dental technology to make sure your root canal treatment is completed without any issues. However, if your tooth infection returns, they may perform a root canal retreatment to remove any lingering bacteria that was missed the first time.
Most insurance companies cover a portion of root canal therapy. You should contact your provider to get an accurate understanding of your policy. Your dentist will also provide an estimate of your treatment cost during your initial consultation.
Gentle & Effective Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a virtually painless procedure that can preserve your severely infected tooth. Dr. Ruehle and our staff are dedicated to preserving your oral health and ensuring your teeth are completely healthy.
To learn more about how you can benefit from our treatment options, contact our Denton, TX practice by calling (940) 566-4888 or filling out an online contact form. We proudly serve patients residing in the Robinson Oaks and Corinth areas.