Root Canal Treatment In Austin

Dentists almost unanimously agree that saving a patient’s natural teeth should always be a priority. Root canal treatments are one of the best ways to do this. When decay has reached the nerve of the tooth, a root canal is often recommended. For Austin, TX area patients, Dr. Logan Miller is an experienced dentist for this common procedure.

To ensure the tooth is further protected and the natural look and shape are restored, a custom-made dental crown is typically needed and placed over the treated area. Dr. Miller is dedicated to providing the best possible care to his patients, which includes taking the time to explain the entire process and any aftercare instructions.

Important Information About Root Canals

The very first step in a root canal procedure is to remove any decay that may be present in the tooth, followed by the extraction of the nerve and infected pulp. Since the tooth can function without these two components, it can be restored to its former state after the procedure.

Next, the canals in the tooth must be cleaned and reshaped. To do so, specialized tools are used to remove any germs, harmful bacteria, or infections present in the canals. Once the canals are clear, a dental filling material is placed in the canals to block out any bacteria and possibly a core buildup to support a dental crown to prevent further damage. Finally, a crown or a filling is placed over the tooth to restore its original shape and strength, so that it can remain healthy and function properly.

Do You Need a Root Canal?

While it is possible to require a root canal without experiencing any symptoms, in most cases, certain indicators suggest the need for the procedure. These signs include one or more of the following:

1. A severe toothache that worsens when you apply pressure or bite down on the tooth: If you feel a persistent and intense pain that seems to be centered on one particular tooth and aggravates while eating or drinking, it may be a sign that the tooth pulp is infected or inflamed. A root canal procedure may be necessary to alleviate this discomfort.
2. A discolored tooth: A tooth that has turned a shade darker or greyer than the surrounding teeth can indicate that the tooth’s nerve is dead or dying. This discoloration may be the result of trauma to the tooth, a deep cavity, or other factors. A root canal may be required to remove the damaged nerve tissue and restore the tooth’s natural color.
3. The swollen or tender gum tissue around a certain tooth: If the gums around a particular tooth are swollen, tender, or red, it may indicate an infection. This swelling may be accompanied by an abscess or pus buildup, which can cause discomfort and pressure. A root canal can help to treat the underlying infection and relieve the associated symptoms.
4. A tooth that is sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks: If you experience sudden pain or discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, it may be an indication of nerve damage or decay. The tooth sensitivity may increase over time and become more persistent. A root canal can help to alleviate this sensitivity by removing the damaged nerve tissue.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek the advice of an dental professional as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to more severe dental problems and may even require tooth extraction.

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

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