Are you worried about an upcoming root canal appointment? If so, you are not alone. Root canals have come to become a symbol of dental anxiety, being portrayed as unbearably painful and traumatic. However, root canal therapy in Murphy, TX works to alleviate tooth pain rather than cause it. Dr. Gandhi would like to reassure you that the gentle techniques and sedation options offered at Murphy Dental Home will allow for a positive, comfortable experience.
Root Canal Therapy Overview
Root canal therapy is a dental treatment that we use to repair a severely damaged tooth with infected or inflamed tooth pulp. The most common reasons the tooth pulp becomes inflamed and infected are deep cavities, cracks, and trauma. An infected tooth left untreated can result in tooth pain, swelling, an abscess, or bone loss around the tooth root, which may potentially lead to tooth loss.
Root canal therapy relieves you of pain and saves your tooth, allowing you to maintain its natural appearance and function. The treatment will help you avoid the need for involved procedures down the road including extractions, implants, bridges, or dentures.
What Are the Indications You Need Root Canal Therapy?
Some symptoms and signs that you might need root canal therapy may include a persistent toothache, swelling, tooth discoloration, tenderness, cold or heat sensitivity, or a pimple-like bump on your gums caused by an abscess. In some instances, you may not experience any signs or symptoms. This is why we recommend that you maintain your routine dental exams so that we can diagnose any potential problems and treat them before they progress and cause any complications.
What Is the Root Canal Procedure?
Restoring a tooth using root canal therapy typically requires two appointments to complete. Our team will start by using a local anesthetic to numb the area and may also provide sedation options for your comfort. Our endodontist will then remove the decay or damage in the tooth.
Root Canal FAQs
If your emergency dentist in Murphy recently told you that you need a root canal, it’s perfectly understandable to feel a bit nervous. After all, you’ve probably heard all sorts of unpleasant rumors about the procedure. The truth is, though, that root canal therapy is a largely beneficial treatment that is typically no more uncomfortable than a simple filling. Here are the answers to a few frequently asked root canal questions to help set your mind at ease.
What Happens After My Root Canal?
Usually, we’ll place a temporary dental crown on top of the treated tooth for a few weeks to protect it while a permanent crown is being crafted in a dental lab. Until then, we suggest that you avoid chewing with that tooth, especially anything that is particularly sticky or hard.
Your tooth may feel sensitive or sore for a few days after your root canal in Murphy. However, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, as needed should be more than enough to alleviate it.
How Can I Avoid the Need for Another Root Canal?
As beneficial as root canals are, you can keep your smile in better shape overall by preventing infection or damage that would warrant this procedure. One easy way to do this is by maintaining a good at-home oral hygiene routine of daily brushing and flossing. You should also visit us regularly for checkups and cleanings so that we can diagnose dental problems before they worsen and end up needing a root canal. Lastly, wear a mouthguard whenever you play sports that come with a risk of facial injury. Breaking a tooth could make it easier for bacteria to reach the tooth’s center and infect it.
Will My Root Canal Be Successful?
Root canal therapy boasts an amazing success rate of about 95%. The vast majority of patients who have received a root canal go on to keep their treated tooth for the rest of their lives!
In addition, you can trust that our in-house endodontist, Dr. Nedda Hifeda, has the skills and experience to ensure your treatment is a success. In her 17 years in the dental field, she has undergone advanced training in endodontics (root canal therapy), including earning a Certificate of Post-Graduate Advanced Clinical Training in Endodontics from Boston University’s dental school.
How Much Do Root Canals Cost?
The cost of your root canal will depend primarily on the extent of the damage to the tooth, as well as that tooth’s location in the mouth (molars have more roots than front teeth, so the procedure will generally take longer and cost more). Most dental insurance plans partially cover root canals, and at Murphy Dental Home, we accept virtually all insurance plans. Additionally, we offer affordable financing through CareCredit as well as our in-house discount plan to help you fund your dental care.
