Root canal therapy saves an infected, injured or severely decayed tooth, preserving it for additional years of service. Dr. James Geer, endodontist in Tomball, TX, uses this reliable and pain-relieving restoration to help patients regain their oral health and keep their smiles complete and functional.
No More Pain
That’s really the primary purpose of root canal therapy in Tomball. When a patient presents with a throbbing toothache, pus at the gum line, a swollen jaw and foul-smelling/tasting drainage, infection is certainly present in the soft inner tissues of the tooth.
Dental infection, or abscess, results from oral injury or deep decay within the blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves at the center of a tooth and into the interiors chambers, or root canals. As infection and its associated debris build up, pressure, dental sensitivity and pain result. Additionally, the patient who has suffered an oral injury where the tooth is severely fractured, compromising the integrity of the inner chamber, needs a dental intervention such as root canal therapy.
Root canal therapy, also called endodontic therapy, removes the failing inner pulp, seals the tooth and covers it with a porcelain crown. The tooth functions well without the inner pulp. Many teeth treated with a root canal stay in place for years and are virtually pain free and completely functional.
How the Treatment Works
The root canal treatment is an in-office procedure and usually needs only local anesthesia to numb the area. Dr. Geer confirms the appropriateness of root canal therapy with oral examination and digital X-rays. When he confirms the need for the treatment, he anesthetizes the area and drills a small hole down into the root canal. This hole allows him access to the interior pulp.
Next, Dr. Geer uses several tiny files to remove the infected soft pulp from the root canal. He also smoothes the canal walls and instills antibiotic medication to heal the infection. As needed, he proceeds to the other canals.
The next step involves sealing the debrided chamber to strengthen it and to prevent further infiltration with bacteria. He fills the chamber with a natural sealant called gutta percha. After treating all canals, the dentist tops the tooth with a temporary filling or cap which protects and strengthens it as it heals.
After a week or so of healing time, the patient returns to Dr. Geer for placement of a customized porcelain crown. The crown beautifies and protects the tooth and restores its ability to bite and chew.
The American Academy of Endodontists says that 95 percent or more of root canal procedures are successful. They relieve pain and are a great alternative to tooth extraction. Plus, a natural tooth preserves surrounding tooth alignment, ability to chew and clear speech, and it also ensures good smile aesthetics.
Are You Concerned about a Tooth?
Find out if root canal therapy would help your ailing tooth. Contact James Geer DDS for a restorative dentistry consultation. His expert and gentle care, coupled with his years of experience, will put you at ease and help you achieve a healthy, functional, pain-free smile.