Root Canals
Root Canal Services at Gulf Coast Health Center
One of the most common dental procedures performed, root canals are often recommended to prevent the loss of natural teeth due to decay and deep infection. Root canals, rather than regular fillings, are required when a weakened part of the tooth’s external structure allows the pulp (tissue inside of a tooth) to become infected.
Common Reasons Root Canals Are Needed
There are several reasons why a person’s tooth pulp might become infected and require a root canal, including:
- Deep tooth decay (cavities) caused by plaque and bacteria that reach the inside of the tooth
- Extensive repeated dental work on the same tooth (several fillings, for example)
- Dental bridges or crowns that require repairing
- Trauma to a tooth, such as chips, cracks, or broken teeth
- Tooth pain
- Sensitivity to cold and hot
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling around the gums
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Patients are typically acutely aware of a problem when a root canal is needed because the infected pulp directly affects the nerve endings inside of the tooth. Patients needing a root canal often experience the following symptoms:
What to Expect During a Root Canal
Root canals are typically performed with local anesthesia, so the patient will not experience any pain or discomfort. During a root canal, a dentist will drill an opening in the tooth to remove decay and clean the interior of the tooth, extracting all traces of infection and bacteria. The interior of the tooth and the deep root canals will then be filled with a permanent material. The dentist will fill the opening in the tooth with a composite filling and then will typically attach a crown to restore the tooth. A root canal might require more than one appointment. A dentist might also prescribe antibiotics if any trace of infection remains.
Schedule an Appointment with a Gulf Coast Health Center Dentist
If you suspect you might need a root canal or are experiencing pain or other oral symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a dentist at Gulf Coast Health Center to help you determine what’s causing pain and recommend an effective treatment. Root canal treatment is available at the Port Arthur location.
For more information about Gulf Coast Health Center’s dental services and root canal treatment, we welcome you to contact us today.
