
Mar
Hearing the phrase, “you need root canal treatment” can cause fear and anxiety for many people. While this procedure has a reputation for being painful, the truth is it really can be done painlessly, restoring your oral health and avoiding an unnecessary extraction. In the hands of experienced specialists at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, Texas, you can rest assured that your root canal procedure will be as easy as possible. Our primary concerns are eliminating infection and relieving pain, and ensuring that the entire process is comfortable and pain-free.
Root canal treatments are performed to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. Some of the most common scenarios where root canals procedures may be recommended include:
You may be wondering why you should have a root canal procedure performed rather than just having the tooth pulled. Once a tooth is extracted, the remaining teeth have to carry a greater load, making them more susceptible to cracks and other problems. If the tooth is not replaced it may affect your appearance, chewing function and overall health. While there are many effective replacement options, most are considerably more expensive than root canal treatment, and none are as good as having the natural tooth in place.
During the procedure, the endodontist will remove the soft tissue inside the tooth called the pulp, where the nerves are located. The root canal space will be thoroughly cleaned and filled with a rubbery material called gutta-percha, coated with a sealer to protect it from future infections. The entire process is quite similar to a traditional filling, with just a few more steps.
Most patients do well with local anaesthetic only, but for those who are particularly anxious, Drs. Rick Davis and Rick Schwartz at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, offer multiple sedation options from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to I.V. sedation to “put you to sleep.” If you have a nagging toothache and have been putting off treatment, it’s important to seek care before it gets worse. We will evaluate you, determine the cause of your pain, and recommend treatment options to preserve your oral health. Call us today at (210) 405-0473 to make an appointment.