Rescuing Your Smile: Understanding Root Canal Therapy for Tooth Infections

When faced with a tooth infection, the prospect of root canal therapy may seem daunting. However, this commonly performed procedure is designed to alleviate pain and save your tooth from extraction. At Kings Dental in Garland, Texas, we offer this essential dental procedure to restore oral health.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is used for treating infections or damage deep within the tooth’s pulp, where nerves and blood vessels reside. Root canal therapy is required to preserve the tooth if the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to advanced decay, injury, or other causes.

Steps of a Root Canal Procedure:

1. Assessment and Diagnosis:

• The dentist examines the tooth and evaluates X-rays to assess the extent of infection and determine if root canal therapy is needed

2. Anesthesia:

• Local anesthesia is given to ensure the patient remains comfortable during the procedure

3. Accessing the Pulp Chamber:

• The dentist typically makes an incision in the tooth, often through the crown, to reach the infected or damaged pulp chamber

4. Cleaning and Shaping:

• Specialized tools are employed to extract the infected pulp tissue and meticulously cleanse the root canals, effectively eliminating bacteria and debris

5. Disinfection:

• Antimicrobial solutions may be used to disinfect the root canals and ensure the elimination of any remaining bacteria

6. Filling and Sealing:

• After the root canals have been sanitized and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible substance to prevent the possibility of recontamination
• The access opening in the tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling to prevent further infection

7. Restoration:

• Typically, a crown or another form of restoration is applied to the tooth to enhance its strength, functionality, and appearance

Call Kings Dental Today!

Root canal therapy is highly effective for resolving tooth infections and preserving natural teeth. By understanding the steps involved in the procedure, patients can confidently approach root canal therapy, knowing that they are taking a proactive step toward maintaining their oral health. 

If you suspect you may need root canal therapy, call Kings Dental in Garland, TX, today at (214) 703-6900.