At Fountain Park Dental, we understand the importance of saving natural teeth whenever possible. Root canals are essential procedures used to treat severely decayed or infected teeth. Performed by our skilled Flower Mound dentist, Dr. Ronak Patel, these treatments effectively relieve dental pain and prevent the spread of infection, ultimately avoiding the need for tooth extraction. During a root canal, the damaged pulp (inner portion) of the tooth is carefully removed, and the area is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed. We utilize the latest techniques and technologies to ensure your comfort throughout the process while delivering exceptional outcomes that preserve your healthy smile.
DID YOU KNOW?
Root canals have been performed for over 2000 years.
Why Should I Get a Root Canal?
Getting a root canal as soon as you need one can save not only your tooth but also your overall oral health. Ignoring the need for a root canal can lead to severe pain, the spread of infection, and the potential loss of the tooth. A root canal removes the infected or inflamed tissue, alleviating pain and restoring the tooth. After a root canal, the tooth is capped with a crown, making it function like any other tooth—allowing you to chew pain-free and smile confidently again.
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The Benefits of a Root Canal
Pain Relief
One of the primary benefits of a root canal is significant pain relief. Before the treatment, the tooth is often painful and sensitive due to infection or inflammation of the tooth pulp. A root canal removes this inflamed pulp, instantly easing pain and preventing further discomfort.
Prevention of Spread of Infection
A root canal helps prevent the spread of infection from the affected tooth to surrounding teeth or into the jawbone. This intervention is crucial as unchecked dental infections can lead to more serious health complications, including abscesses, bone loss in the jaw, and systemic infections affecting your overall health.
Tooth Preservation
Root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth, avoiding the need for extraction and replacement with a prosthetic. Preserving your natural tooth helps maintain your jaw structure, prevents the shifting of surrounding teeth, and generally supports a more natural bite and smile aesthetics.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
Diagnosis and X-ray
The first step in the root canal process is a thorough diagnosis, which includes taking X-rays to determine the extent of tooth damage and the shape of the root canals. This information is critical to planning the effective treatment of the tooth.
Anesthesia and Pulp Removal
After the area is numbed with local anesthesia, an access hole is drilled into the tooth. Through this hole, the diseased tooth pulp is removed, and the inner chamber of the tooth is meticulously cleaned.
Filling and Sealing
Once cleaned, the space is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. After the root canals are filled, the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. A follow-up visit is needed to place a permanent crown on the tooth to restore its full function and appearance.