When a tooth becomes infected or severely decayed, it’s not only painful but can also lead to more serious oral health problems if left untreated. At Smile Well Dentistry in Duncanville, TX, Dr. Nirmala Marneni offers expert root canal therapy to save your natural tooth and relieve your pain. With modern techniques and technology, root canals are now a comfortable and effective treatment option for addressing tooth infections, often providing a painless experience for patients.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is a procedure used to treat an infected or damaged tooth by removing the infected pulp (the inner tissue of the tooth), cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. This allows you to preserve your natural tooth while eliminating the pain and discomfort caused by the infection.
Root canal treatment has a success rate of over 95%, according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), making it a highly reliable procedure for saving infected teeth. Despite its reputation, modern root canal therapy is generally no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled, thanks to advancements in dental technology and anesthesia.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that the inner pulp of your tooth is infected and requires a root canal:
- Severe Tooth Pain: Intense tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, is a common sign of an infected tooth that may require root canal therapy.
- Prolonged Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers even after the source is removed could indicate damage to the nerve or pulp of the tooth.
- Swollen or Tender Gums: Infection in the tooth can cause the surrounding gums to become swollen, tender, or even painful to the touch.
- Darkening of the Tooth: Discoloration of a tooth can indicate that the pulp is damaged or infected, often requiring root canal treatment to save the tooth.
- Abscess or Pimple on the Gums: An abscess (a small pimple or bump) on the gums near the affected tooth is a clear sign of infection that requires immediate attention.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your mouth or even your bloodstream.
Painless Root Canal Therapy at Smile Well Dentistry
Many patients are nervous about undergoing a root canal due to outdated misconceptions about the procedure. However, painless root canal therapy is now a reality, thanks to modern techniques and the use of advanced dental technology. At Smile Well Dentistry, Dr. Marneni takes every step to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Local Anesthesia:
Before starting the root canal, local anesthesia is used to completely numb the area around the affected tooth, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. For patients who experience dental anxiety, we also offer sedation options to help you feel more relaxed.
Precise, Gentle Treatment:
Using the latest dental technology, Dr. Marneni can perform root canal therapy with precision, ensuring that the procedure is as quick and comfortable as possible. Most patients report little to no discomfort during or after the procedure.
According to a study published in the Journal of Endodontics, over 85% of patients describe the experience of root canal therapy as painless or less painful than they anticipated, making it a much less daunting procedure than its reputation suggests.
What to Expect During a Root Canal
Here’s what you can expect during a root canal treatment at Smile Well Dentistry:
- Diagnosis and X-rays:
Dr. Marneni will begin by taking X-rays of the affected tooth to determine the extent of the infection and to plan the root canal procedure. - Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring a painless experience. If you feel anxious or nervous, sedation options can be discussed to help you stay calm and relaxed. - Removal of Infected Pulp:
Once the area is numb, Dr. Marneni will create a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp. The pulp is then carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove any bacteria. - Sealing the Tooth:
After the root canals have been cleaned and shaped, the space is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal the tooth and prevent reinfection. - Final Restoration:
In most cases, a crown is placed on the treated tooth to restore its strength and function. The crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth, providing both protection and an aesthetic result.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy offers several important benefits for patients with infected or damaged teeth:
Saves Your Natural Tooth:
One of the biggest advantages of root canal treatment is that it allows you to keep your natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction and tooth replacement.
Relieves Pain:
By removing the infected pulp and eliminating the infection, root canal therapy provides relief from the intense pain caused by an infected tooth.
Prevents Further Complications:
Untreated tooth infections can spread to other teeth, the gums, and even other parts of the body. Root canal therapy stops the spread of infection, protecting your overall health.
Restores Function:
After root canal therapy and the placement of a crown, your treated tooth will function just like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat and speak comfortably.
Post-Treatment Endodontic Care
After your root canal procedure, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days. This can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and most patients can return to their normal activities the following day. Dr. Marneni will provide you with detailed post-treatment care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are essential to maintaining the health of your treated tooth and preventing future dental issues.
Find Painless Relief for Your Infected Tooth in Duncanville, TX
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or signs of an infection, root canal therapy may be the solution you need. At Smile Well Dentistry, we offer painless root canal treatments to save your tooth and relieve your pain. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Nirmala Marneni and protect your oral health.