Root Canals

Sudden tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and halitosis are red flags that demand attention and potentially indicate the need for a root canal. At Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces, with five offices in San Antonio and Helotes, Texas, the team of general and family dentists perform thorough root canals to protect and preserve your natural tooth structure. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today to learn more.

What are root canals?

A root canal is a restorative procedure that can save a badly damaged or decayed tooth. The treatment involves removing pulp, a type of tissue packed with nerves and blood vessels, from the tooth’s center. A root canal can help prevent a tooth from extraction, stopping damage and decay before it affects your surrounding teeth.

When are root canals necessary?

Root canals are often the last resort to save a tooth in danger of extraction. Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces may recommend a root canal if you have:

• Severe tooth decay
• A badly fractured tooth
• Pulp inflammation (pulpitis)
• Abscess or infection
• Repeated dental procedures
• Trauma to the tooth
• Pain and swelling around the tooth

A root canal can help relieve pain, prevent infection from spreading, and preserve your natural tooth structure.

What happens during root canals?

The team performs root canals using local anesthesia. Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces also offers sedation dentistry for patients sensitive to pain or who have dental phobias. Once you’re comfortable, your dentist creates a small access hole in the tooth’s center.

They use special dental tools to carefully extract the damaged or inflamed pulp. After removing the pulp, the team cleans and disinfects the tooth chamber. This step ensures there’s no leftover bacteria. 

To preserve the tooth’s strength and structure, the team fills the space left by the missing pulp with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Finally, they seal the access hole.

What happens after a root canal?

After your root canal, the team may recommend placing a crown. This customized cap fits over your tooth to protect the structure, seal out bacteria, and restore its shape and size. Keeping your teeth healthy after a root canal is essential to prevent reinfection. 

To protect your teeth after a root canal, you should:

• Avoid chewing on hard foods
• Refrain from chewing on hard or crunchy foods to prevent potential damage to the treated tooth.
• Consider a nightguard
• If you grind your teeth at night, the team may recommend a nightguard to protect your treated tooth.
• Attend regular dental check-ups
• Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor your teeth’s overall health and address any emerging issues promptly.

Call Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces or request an appointment online today to learn more.