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We care deeply about your safety and comfort, which is why we always strive to provide the highest quality of care.

We offer a wide range of procedures in order to treat patients with a variety of oral health needs.

Why Root Canal Treatment Might Be Your Best Option for Saving a Tooth

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In the world of dentistry, root canals have gotten a bit of a bad rap. Much like a game of telephone, tales of the procedure can shift and bend, suddenly being passed on like horror stories. Despite the many myths floating around about root canals, the experts at Lubbock Dental Specialists are here to set the record straight. And the truth is that root canals are often the best chance at saving a natural tooth, relieving pain, and preserving aesthetics in one clean swoop. Let’s get into what a root canal is and why you might need one.

What To Know About Root Canals

Inside a tooth, you’ll find a dental pulp, which is made up of nerve tissue, blood vessels, and cells. Severe decay, cracked teeth, or dental trauma can cause bacteria to find their way into that pulp to cause a painful infection. At that point, the risk of tooth loss starts to increase without intervention. This is where a root canal comes in, allowing a specialist like Dr. Scherer to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.

How Do I Know If I Need A Root Canal?

Not every toothache is created equal, and some may not require a root canal to be fixed. However, you might need a root canal if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Severe tooth pain or pressure
  • Swollen or tender gums around a sore tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Sharp pain when biting down
  • Tooth discoloration

Any pain or concerning change in your teeth should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid more complex problems.

What Happens During A Root Canal?

Most of the fear surrounding root canals revolves around the procedure, but being aware of what to expect can ease that anxiety. A typical root canal at Lubbock Dental Specialists will look like this:

  • Numb – For a comfortable experience, local anesthesia is administered. Lubbock Dental Specialists offers multiple options for anesthesia to meet the unique needs of our patients.  
  • Access – Once you’re comfortably numb, Dr. Scherer will make a tiny opening in the infected tooth. 
  • Removal – After accessing the dental pulp, our team will remove any infected and inflamed tissue. After that, the chambers and empty canals will be thoroughly disinfected.  
  • Fill & Seal – A material called gutta-percha is inserted into the inner chamber to prevent reinfection. The tooth will then be sealed. 
  • Crown –  About a week after the root canal treatment, you will return to the office so we can complete the procedure by adding a crown. A crown improves function, and appearance and helps prevent future damage. 

After the root canal is done, it’s normal to feel some mild discomfort for a few days. This can be managed with post-operative instructions and over-the-counter pain medication and by avoiding chewing hard foods on that tooth. 

Root Canal Myths vs. Facts.

To clear up some common misconceptions regarding root canals, let’s debunk some common myths about the procedure:

  • Myth: Root canals are extremely painful. 

Fact: Tooth infections are extremely painful. A root canal is the remedy for that pain. Modern dentistry advancements combined with anesthesia make the root canal procedure no more painful than receiving a filling. The severe pain from infection is often almost immediately noticed, with mild discomfort from the procedure lasting just a few days!

  • Myth: Root canals require extensive treatments over multiple visits

Fact: Root canals are completed in just 2-3 visits, depending on the severity of the infection. A couple of trips to the dentist is far more convenient than a lifetime with a missing tooth.

  • Myth: It’s better to just have the tooth pulled

Fact: It seems like a feel-better-quick trick to just have an infected tooth extracted, but it’s not the best option for long-term oral health. A missing tooth can cause teeth to shift, jaws to deteriorate, difficulties with eating or speaking, and a blow to self-confidence.

At the end of the day, a root canal is a common procedure that can effectively save your tooth, paving a path toward better oral health.

Prioritize Your Teeth with Lubbock Dental Specialists 

Don’t let fear stop you from having a healthy smile! If you are in need of a root canal or start experiencing tooth pain, it’s important to seek out treatment as soon as possible. Lubbock Dental Specialists can provide the expert care you need to save your tooth and your future oral health. Prioritize yourself today by scheduling an appointment.