Root Canal

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, with well over 14 million scheduled every year. This treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges. At the center of your tooth is an area known as pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Root canals are needed when the pulp of your tooth becomes infected. A root canal infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures.

There are various signs that the pulp of your tooth may be inflamed or infected, but the primary one is extreme sensitivity to hot or cold sensations. Some other symptoms include severe tooth nerve pain while chewing, swollen, darkened, or tender gums, and even pimples on the gums.

When a patient undergoes a root canal at Cypress Family Dental, the infected pulp is removed while the dentist cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth. After the tooth has been cleaned, the dentist fills the tooth with a rubbery substance called gutta-percha and seals it back with a filling or crown so that the tooth can once again function normally.

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, our dentists will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and is normally completed in one visit. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 98 percent of our cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment in Cypress, or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.

We use local anesthesia to eliminate pain and discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine soon after endodontic treatment. The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth. Call us to schedule your consultation at Cypress Family Dental today.