Root canal treatment
Do you have excruciating tooth pain caused by severely injured, decayed, or cracked teeth? When the bacteria on the decayed tooth go deep into the tooth, it causes infection on the tooth pulp and nerves. Untreated inflammation or infection may lead to an abscess (a painful, swollen lump filled with pus). Put an end to your suffering by getting root canal treatment at Aviva Dental Care of Cedar Park, Texas.
Dr. Apurva Arjarapu treated inflammation on the pulp for many Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, and Austin patients with a root canal. Look no further than the Aviva Dental Care of Cedar Park for exceptional dental care to treat your cavities or decayed teeth. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
When do you need a root canal treatment?
At the center of a tooth, the blood vessels give nutrition to the pulp, and sensory nerves carry signals to the brain. Severely injured, cracked, or decayed teeth infect/inflame the pulp causing unbearable pain when you chew or drink cold or hot liquids. If the bacteria in the pulp is left untreated, the infection/inflammation may lead to an abscess (a painful, swollen lump filled with pus). Telltale signs and symptoms that indicate you may need a root canal are
- Excruciating pain when you chew food or drink hot/cold liquids
- Lingering pain for an extended period even after you stop eating or drinking
- Discolored tooth caused due to damaged tooth root
- Swollen gums or gums feel tender when you touch
- Pimples on the gums forming pus due to infection in the tooth
- Severe tooth sensitivity due to chipped or cracked tooth from an accident
- The softened bone around the dying tooth root makes you feel the tooth is loose
How does root canal treatment save the tooth?
Endodontic or root canal treatment is required when the tooth pulp is severely inflamed/infected. During the root canal procedure, the bacteria and decay in the pulp are removed. The pulp chamber is cleaned and disinfected with antibiotics. The empty root area is filled and sealed with a dental crown to prevent further decay.
Overview of the root canal procedure
Dr. Apurva Arjarapu and her professionally trained staff take an x-ray of your teeth, thoroughly review the state of the teeth, gums, and bone structure. Dr. Apurva will discuss her observations, recommend a treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have. If the root canal treatment is required, a local anesthetic is administered to the area affected. After the tooth is numb, a protective sheet (dental dam) is placed to keep the area clean and free from saliva. An opening is made in the crown of the affected tooth to remove the bacteria, decay, disinfect and clean the pulp chamber. The interior of the pulp chamber is shaped and filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. The opening on top of the tooth is filled with a temporary filling material and is shaped until you feel your bite is natural. On your next visit, the dentist will place a dental crown to protect and restore the tooth to its full function.