Of all the restorative dental treatments available today, root canal therapy is perhaps one of the most notorious. Due to erroneous assumptions or exaggerated third-party stories, many people hesitate to receive the necessary treatment, and lose their teeth as a result. The good news, however, is that root canal treatment isn’t as dramatic as it’s often made to sound. In fact, using a combination of experience and modern restorative dentistry techniques, Dr. Wright and Dr. Heron can perform your root canal treatment in less time and with significantly less discomfort than you might expect.
Why Your Root Canals Hurt
If you need a root canal treatment, then your tooth is likely already in the grips of severe pain, and treating the root canals may be the only way to find relief from your toothache. Your tooth’s roots are embedded in your jawbone, and their canals are the conduits through which your jaw sends your tooth the hydration and nutrition and it needs. Severe tooth decay, which begins at your tooth’s surface, can infect your tooth’s nerves and blood vessels (pulp), often resulting in excruciating discomfort. Since root canals are connected to the pulp, an untreated internal infection can spread through the root passages and outwards to surrounding bone and tissues.
The Procedure
To save your tooth, and the gums and jawbone within its vicinity, Dr. Gregory Wright and Dr. Victoria Heron may recommend root canal treatment to remove infected tissues and rebuild the afflicted tooth. A root canal procedure describes extracting infected tissues and thoroughly disinfecting the tooth’s interior. When the canal is empty, it can then be reinforced with a durable, rubber-like material called gutta percha. For further protection, we frequently place dental crowns over treated teeth to protect them from the pressures of biting and chewing. A local anesthetic will numb the tooth and area around it before and during the procedure. If you prefer, speak with Dr. Heron about using nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to help you relax throughout your treatment.
Don’t Hesitate, for Your Tooth’s Sake
The danger of misinformation, at least in the case of root canals, is that the hesitation it may cause can allow a tooth infection the time it needs to completely destroy your tooth. Once your pulp becomes infected, the disease kills your tooth’s living tissues, and an abscess can form on the tooth or root’s surface. An abscess is a pocket of infection that can destroy the jawbone around your tooth’s root, leading to tooth loss and extensive dental damage.
About Your Southlake Dentists:
As a native Texan, Dr. Gregory Wright opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
