A Root Canal Treatment Isn’t As Scary As It Sounds

During a regular checkup, your dentist may turn to you and say that you have a cavity. Caught early, it can usually be remedied with a filling. But say you have a tooth that has experienced more than what a filling can fix. At times like this, a more involved procedure will have to be performed. For these patients, this would entail a root canal treatment, and it is something that your Houston, TX, dentist can take care of in the office. While thinking about it may make you nervous, it is a common procedure, and we will help make you comfortable as possible during it. 

This Sounds Really Scary

Admittedly, most people imagine a root canal treatment to be scary. But things become less frightening once you know more about them. First, this is a process meant to save your tooth and keep it from being removed. We start by using advanced dental technology to locate where the decay is located in your tooth. This is one way we custom design a comprehensive treatment plan for our patients. We then begin the process of cleaning its structure, which includes the pulp. We also carefully remove any infected tissue or nerves. Once the decay is eliminated, we clean the tooth. Finally, a biocompatible restorative is used to fill the tooth, and a crown is placed on it to help protect it from further infection. 

Why Does It Matter To Treat It Early?

Left untreated, tooth decay will only grow worse, which may cause other long-term oral health issues. Other reasons to treat it early include preserving your tooth and its structure, correcting any bite problems you may have had due to the decay, and relieving you of a severe toothache. Also, if it is not treated early, you may have to have to invest in other procedures like dental implants or full and partial dentures. 

Determining If You Are A Candidate For The Treatment

One of the clearest clues in determining whether the treatment is for you is the sign of a tooth that is infected or abscessed. Other things to consider include a toothache, a chipped or cracked tooth, tender or swollen gums, heightened sensitivity when you eat or drink anything hot or cold, and pain when you chew or bite. We recommend that you contact us if any of these issues last for more than two days so that we can schedule an exam for you.  

Ready To Reshape Your Smile?

Sometimes a cavity needs more than a filling due to internal tooth decay. To find out if you need a root canal treatment and how we can save your tooth, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Chan by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at (713) 926-8896.