If you have a dental infection, root canal therapy can save your tooth and stop the spread of bacteria. At Lakewood Dental Group, our dentists in Dallas perform rotary endodontics, using state-of-the-art tools for more precise care. Dr. Shaun Sigurdson and Dr. Mihir Patel both routinely pursue continuing education in the field of endodontics. Their expertise, coupled with their compassion and care for each patient, will make your root canal easier and more comfortable than you may ever have thought possible.
When is root canal therapy necessary?
Your Lakewood dentist will typically recommend root canal therapy when you have an infected tooth. Dental infection occurs when a cavity goes undiagnosed or untreated, and bacteria enter the soft pulp in the center of a tooth. Signs of an infected tooth may include:
- A toothache
- Swollen or sore gums
- A pimple on your gums
- Sensitivity to temperature changes
Dr. Sigurdson or Dr. Patel may also perform endodontic treatment if you have a cracked tooth with damage extending to the dental pulp.
What happens during root canal therapy?
During your procedure, Dr. Sigurdson or Dr. Patel will use a rotary handpiece to clean out your tooth, removing bacteria and infected tissue. He will then fill your tooth and the root canals with a rubbery material called gutta percha. Then he will place a custom-made dental crown.
Is root canal therapy painful?
You will receive local anesthesia, so you will feel very little during treatment. Plus, our rotary tools are more precise and minimize the effect on healthy dental tissue. As a result, you should experience less post-treatment sensitivity.
What should I expect during recovery?
Immediately after a root canal, your mouth will be numb for several hours. Avoid eating until sensation returns. You will likely experience some sensitivity for up to a week following treatment, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Root canal therapy does not require extensive downtime, and you should be able to return to your normal routine immediately.
Is root canal therapy dangerous?
Circulating internet rumors report that root canal therapy can raise your risk for cancer and infectious diseases. However, the American Association of Endodontists assures us that there is no scientific evidence for these myths and that endodontic treatment has no ill effects on the body. In fact, according to some studies, the success rate of root canal therapy may be as high as 99.5%.
Is root canal therapy really better than extraction?
Although root canal therapy is a multi-stage process, it is still far less invasive than tooth removal. Furthermore, when your natural tooth remains in place, the roots prevent jawbone
deterioration. Because our dentists in Dallas are committed to conservative dentistry, they will always recommend root canal therapy over extraction whenever possible.
Receive Gentle, Minimally Invasive Endodontic Treatment
If you are experiencing the symptoms of a dental infection, don’t delay the care you need. Contact Lakewood Dental Group today by scheduling an appointment online or by calling 214-827-1885.
