Get Root Canal Therapy in Waco, TX
If a cavity enters a tooth and infects the nerve, you will begin to experience extreme tooth pain. This infection can develop into an abscessed tooth, which threatens the health of your whole body.
If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth or you begin to notice severe tooth pain, contact our office right away. Root canal treatment may be the best way to save the natural tooth.
Rest assured that we are dedicated to your comfort. We incorporate the newest dental technology to maximize your safety. We also offer sedation dentistry, including IV sedation, to make you feel more at ease during your dental abscess treatment.
What Are Root Canals For?
Root canals, also known as endodontic treatment, are dental procedures performed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. When the innermost part of a tooth, called the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or trauma, a root canal is often recommended.
The pulp of a tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and its primary function is to provide nourishment to the tooth as it grows. However, when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain and sensitivity. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to abscess formation and even bone loss.
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Watch for these signs of an infected or abscessed tooth:
- Moderate or severe lingering tooth pain or toothache.
- Tooth pain that throbs when you eat hot or cold foods.
- Waking up in the night with tooth pain or toothache.
- Discomfort while biting or chewing.
- Swelling on the gums.
- A pimple-like bump on the gums.
With a successful root canal treatment, you can find tooth pain relief and cure an abscessed tooth. You will avoid tooth extraction and tooth replacement procedures and get back to loving your natural smile!
“I have had my teeth cleaned twice a year, and x-rayed once a year for many years. Other dentists had seen the damage to my teeth, but none had ever offered to discuss or perform gum surgery, or even make a night guard to protect my teeth. I was very apprehensive about the gum surgery, but after talking it through, I realized that it was extremely important. If my teeth eventually broke, then I was facing dental implants. I had the root canal, gum surgery, bonding, teeth cleaning, etc. Dr. Cutbirth and his staff are very caring, understanding and patient. All of them will take the time to do what is necessary to put your mind at ease and give you peace. I am happy to give them all five-stars!”
The Root Canal Procedure
Waco, TX, root canal dentist, Dr. Steven Cutbirth, DDS, and our staff will make sure your tooth abscess treatment and root canal procedure is comfortable and worry-free. We will remove the infected nerve from the tooth and clean out the surrounding root canals. Afterwards, we will place a dental crown over the tooth to strengthen and protect it.
- Preparation: The process begins with the administration of a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring a comfortable experience for the patient.
- Cleaning: Once the area is numb, the dentist creates a small access hole in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Using specialized instruments, they carefully remove the infected pulp and clean the canals inside the tooth roots. The canals are then shaped and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria.
- Filling: After cleaning and disinfecting the canals, the dentist fills them with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This seals the canals and prevents recontamination. In some cases, a temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth until a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, is placed.
- Protection: The final step of the root canal procedure involves restoring the tooth’s structure and functionality. This typically involves placing a dental crown or filling to protect and strengthen the tooth, as the treated tooth may become more brittle over time.
Root canals are highly successful procedures, with a high rate of saving teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. By removing the infected pulp and sealing the canals, root canals alleviate pain, prevent further infection, and restore the function and appearance of the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment FAQs
What is a root canal?
A root canal is the removal of infected or inflamed tooth pulp, which if followed by cleaning and disinfecting the surrounding tissue in order to save the natural tooth and eliminate sharp tooth pain and find toothache relief.
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours along with some time for preparation and recovery. If the case is a complicated one, it may take your Waco, TX, root canal dentist more time.
How long does a root canal last?
Root canals are meant to save the natural tooth and make them last a lifetime. When the infected tissue, or “dental abscess” is removed and replaced, then the natural tooth should have no trouble lasting as long as the rest of your teeth.
Protect Your Long-Term Health with a Root Canal
Dr. Cutbirth practices comprehensive dentistry. He won’t just offer a service because it is a quick fix. He will perform a root canal procedure only if it is the best thing for your long-term health.
Steven Cutbirth, DDS, is also the Director of the Center for Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry (CARD, to learn more, visit www.centerforard.com). He has the skill to take a damaged tooth and make it look and feel brand new.
To schedule your smile consultation, call our dental office in Waco, TX!
