SERVICES
Root Canals
Root canal treatment stands as a pivotal restorative procedure, preserving countless teeth annually from extraction stemming from severe inflammation or injury. This intervention entails the extraction of damaged pulp and nerves from within a tooth, effectively eradicating bacteria and halting the spread of infection.
At Moe Smiles, our gentle and empathetic dentists, Dr. Moe, prioritize comprehending your concerns and providing compassionate care. We invite you to visit us for exemplary general dental services in Houston, where our primary goal is to alleviate your dental discomfort while endeavoring to salvage your tooth through meticulous treatment.
The Preservation of the Natural Tooth
Preserving your natural tooth through root canal therapy holds significant importance, even when faced with the temptation to opt for extraction due to fractures or cavities. While it may initially seem like a simpler solution, extracting the tooth isn't always the most advantageous choice. Root canal therapy offers numerous benefits, allowing many patients to alleviate pain and retain their natural tooth.
Electing not to save the tooth can lead to several undesirable consequences, including:
- Difficulty eating and speaking: The absence of a tooth can impede proper chewing and articulation, affecting your overall oral function.
- Teeth shifting: Surrounding teeth may gradually shift to compensate for the space left by the extracted tooth, potentially leading to misalignment issues.
- Bone loss and facial changes: Loss of the tooth root can result in bone resorption, altering your facial structure over time and affecting your appearance.
By investing in root canal therapy, you can proactively mitigate these issues and prevent potential complications associated with tooth loss. Preserving your natural tooth through this treatment not only preserves your oral function but also maintains the integrity of your smile and facial aesthetics.
Understanding Root Canals
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure aimed at addressing issues within the inner core of a tooth, known as the pulp. This soft tissue comprises nerves, blood vessels, and other vital components.
During root canal therapy, the dentist carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth's interior. Subsequently, the space is meticulously cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to ensure the eradication of bacteria. Following this, the void is filled with a biocompatible material, typically a rubber-like substance.
The entire procedure generally lasts between thirty minutes to one hour, depending on the complexity of the case.
Root canal therapy may be recommended in the following scenarios:
- Large cavity reaching the nerve of the tooth.
- Presence of an abscess, indicating infection in the tooth.
- Chronic pain and inflammation resulting from trauma to the tooth.
- Fractured or broken tooth affecting the pulp.
- Detection of bone damage on X-rays due to non-vital pulp.
In such cases, root canal therapy serves as the preferred treatment option to alleviate pain, resolve infection, and preserve the affected tooth.
Root Canal Therapy at Moe Smiles
At Moe Smiles, once it's determined that root canal therapy is the optimal course of action, our priority is ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. To minimize discomfort, a local anesthetic is administered, allowing for a pain-free experience as we attend to your dental needs.
During the root canal procedure, meticulous measures are taken to maintain a sterile environment. A rubber dam is applied around the infected tooth to prevent saliva from contaminating the area. The dentist then carefully drills a hole into the tooth to access the canal, facilitating the gentle removal of infected pulp and any debris present.
Following the removal of the infected material, the canal is thoroughly cleaned before being sealed with a specialized paste and gutta-percha, a resilient rubber-like substance. This sealing process ensures the protection and integrity of the treated tooth.
To safeguard the tooth from further damage, the dentist may recommend the placement of a dental crown. This additional measure provides comprehensive protection and support to the restored tooth, promoting long-term oral health and function.