Almost all dentists would agree on one thing: save the patient’s natural teeth whenever possible. One of the most effective ways to save teeth that might otherwise have to be extracted is with a root canal procedure. Root canals are usually recommended for teeth with infected nerves, which is typically due to exposure to tooth decay. Dr. Miller routinely performs root canals for his patients from throughout the Austin, TX, area.
Important Information about Root Canals
The first step in a root canal procedure involves removing any existing decay from the tooth, then removing the nerve and pulp as well. Since the tooth doesn’t require the nerve and the pulp to function normally, most of the time the tooth will be as good as new after the procedure.
Do You Need a Root Canal?
Although it’s possible that you might need a root canal and have no symptoms whatsoever, typically there are indications that you need the procedure. Those symptoms include any or all of the following:
- A severe toothache that gets worse when you bite down on the tooth
- A discolored tooth
- Swollen or tender gums around a certain tooth
- A tooth that is sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks
Retreatment
Teeth that have undergone root canals typically last for many, many years – often even for the lifetime of the patient. But on occasion, a tooth that has undergone a root canal doesn’t heal properly. When this happens, the tooth usually becomes painful. Fortunately, in many cases the tooth can still be saved with retreatment. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in a tooth that has already had a root canal, ask Dr. Miller if the tooth can still be saved with retreatment. He can provide you with more information and assess whether or not a retreatment procedure is right for you.
Learn More About Root Canals
- Choosing Between a Root Canal vs. Extraction
- Do Root Canals Cause Health Problems?
- Do Root Canals Hurt?
- What Is the Typical Root Canal Recovery Time?
- Why Some People Need Both a Root Canal and a Crown
Contact Our Office Today
For more information about root canals, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller, contact our Austin, TX, office today.
