Thorough Treatment for Tooth Infections
Root Canal Dallas
When it comes to dental care, early detection of cavities and decay is vital to preserving oral health and preventing the need for more extensive treatment. If left untreated, trauma and decay can lead to the infection of the tooth’s root and surrounding nerves. In these situations, a root canal procedure may be necessary in order to salvage the remaining tooth structure and avoid extraction. Dr. D. Brock Lynn practices endodontics, also known as root canal therapy, to aid his Dallas, Texas patients who are experiencing difficulty due to progressed infection. Keeping both patient health and comfort in mind, he is able to successfully treat the affected area. If you are experiencing symptoms of root infection, or have been told you need a root canal, contact Lynn Dental Care to schedule a consultation today.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
The root canal of the tooth consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue which, when infected, can compromise the tooth structure and cause persistent pain. Infection can occur if a cavity becomes especially deep, or if there is trauma to the tooth. Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that seeks to eliminate this infection and minimize damage to the tooth.
During an initial dental appointment, Dr. Lynn will examine the mouth to determine the degree of infection and decide if root canal therapy is the best course of action. This may include digital X-rays, the use of a pulp tester, or applying hot or cold compresses to determine the tooth’s sensitivity level. If the root is actually infected, Dr. Lynn will begin root canal treatment at his Dallas practice. This involves removing the infected nerve tissue and cleaning the surrounding areas. Once this is complete, Dr. Lynn will seal the canal with a permanent filling to prevent further infection from returning to the root. If a substantial amount of tooth structure is lost during root canal therapy, patients will receive a dental crown to restore strength and appearance to the smile. For the patient’s comfort, root canal therapy is typically performed with local anesthesia, and is in fact nearly pain-free.
Who Needs Root Canal Therapy?
It is vital for patients who have infection in the nerve of the tooth to undergo root canal therapy. Treating the infection site is the only way to save the natural tooth and prevent infection from spreading to the gums, bone, and surrounding teeth. Maintaining proper oral hygiene habits is essential to preventing infection and the need for root canal therapy. In the event that the root does become infected, however, symptoms may include:
- Persistent tooth aches
- Discomfort while chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling of the gums
- Bad breath or foul taste in the mouth
- Fever - in severe cases
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
In the event a root canal is infected, root canal therapy is both necessary and beneficial to sustained oral health. If you are experiencing discomfort and believe you may need root canal therapy, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Some of the benefits of the procedure include:
- Increased comfort – pain associated with infection is alleviated following treatment
- Preservation of the natural tooth
- Prevents the spread of infection
- Prevents bone deterioration and jaw misalignment caused by extraction
- Eliminates need for more invasive treatment such as extraction, and restorative procedures such as placement of dental implants
Contact Lynn Dental Care Today
Preserving the health of your mouth is Dr. Lynn’s number one priority. As an experienced general dentist and oral surgeon, he is able to provide high quality treatment for even the most progressed tooth infections. To schedule a consultation to discuss root canal therapy, contact his Dallas, Texas practice today.
