Root Canal Treatment: Save Your Tooth and Your Smile

Relieve Pain and Restore Your Smile with Gentle Root Canals

If you’re experiencing a severe toothache, you might be worried about the health of your tooth and what treatment options are available. At Scott Dooley Dentistry in Garland, TX, we understand that the thought of a root canal can be daunting. However, we want to reassure you that with our expertise and modern technology, root canal treatment is often a comfortable and effective way to relieve your pain, restore your confident smile, and most importantly, save your natural tooth.

In fact, for many patients, the greatest sensation they feel is instant relief from the pain caused by their toothache! If you’re in pain and discomfort, give us a call or request your appointment online today to get the dental care you need.

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

So, what exactly is a root canal? A root canal is a procedure used to treat an infection deep within the tooth. This infection affects the tooth’s pulp, which is the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. The most common causes of this infection are deep cavities, a crack or fracture in the tooth (often due to trauma or decay), or damage from previous dental work.

During a root canal, Dr. Dooley will carefully remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect the inside of your tooth, and then fill and seal it to prevent further infection. This procedure is crucial because, in most cases, it’s the only way to save your tooth. Without treatment, the infection can spread, causing significant pain, potential tooth loss, and even damage to your other teeth, gums, and jawbone. With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime!

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

A persistent toothache is a common sign that you might need a root canal. However, it’s not the only early sign to look out for. Other symptoms can include:

• Sensitivity to heat or cold

• Pain or sensitivity when biting down

• A gum abscess (a painful bump on the gums)

• Internal discoloration of a tooth

It’s important to remember that not all toothaches mean you need a root canal! Dr. Dooley will conduct a thorough examination, including digital x-rays, to accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the best course of treatment.

Preparing for Your Root Canal

To ensure your root canal procedure is as smooth as possible, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. If you have any other medication you take daily, please let us know before we start your procedure!
• Eat a normal meal before your appointment. Your body needs nutrients to help with your recovery, and while the local anesthetic takes a few hours to wear off, you won’t feel hungry.
• Brush and floss your teeth, taking extra precautions around your restored tooth for the first few days.
• If you’re feeling anxious, discuss sedation options with us. Your comfort is our priority, and we’d love to go the extra mile to make you feel at ease during your visit.
• If you are receiving sedation, arrange for a friend, family member, or a loved one to drive you home after your appointment.

Root Canal Aftercare and Recovery

Following your root canal, proper aftercare is essential for the healing process to go as smoothly as possible and prevent any complications. Here are some recommendations. Doctor’s orders.

• Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day.
• Eat soft foods and avoid hard, chewy, or hot foods until the numbness wears off. You’ll start to feel the anesthetic wear off in a few hours and the area returning to normal. Take it slow and assess how you feel when eating.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed to manage any discomfort.
• Continue to brush and floss gently.
• Avoid chewing or putting excessive pressure on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored.
• Though we take every precaution to make your procedure as effective and smooth as possible, we believe our commitment to care lives on in our aftercare. Contact our office if you experience severe pain, swelling, or any other unusual symptoms.
• Attend all follow-up appointments to have your tooth properly restored with a permanent filling or crown.

Save Your Tooth Today

Don’t let tooth pain compromise your oral health and quality of life. If you think you may need a root canal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dooley. Alternatively, give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you.