If your dentist tells you that you need a root canal, it might not be the most welcome news you could hope to receive. But the fact is that root canal therapy is a very common process that can usually be accomplished with no more discomfort than any other dental procedure. You’ll just need to make sure that your dentist has the training and experience required to perform root canals – the same training and experience that Dr. White brings to his patients from throughout the Dripping Springs, TX, area.
When Is Root Canal Therapy Needed?
You may need a root canal if you experience an infection that spreads to the pulp of the tooth. Although some people may not realize they have this type of infection, the vast majority of the time the patient will experience one or more of these symptoms:
- A severe toothache that gets worse with pressure
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swollen and/or tender gum tissue around the affected tooth
- Darkening of the affected tooth
- A sore on the gum tissue near the tooth
Fortunately, a tooth doesn’t need either pulp or nerves in order to function normally, so most patients can use the tooth as they normally would after healing from root canal therapy.
What Is Involved in Root Canal Therapy?
Dr. White begins the procedure by completely numbing the affected tooth and surrounding gum tissue. After that, he’ll remove the infected pulp and nerves of the tooth, then thoroughly clean the tooth and seal it off to protect it. In some cases, Dr. White may recommend placing a crown over the tooth after the root canal procedure to provide an extra measure of protection.
Contact Our Office Today
If you suspect that you may need a root canal, schedule an appointment with Dr. White today by contacting our Dripping Springs, TX, office.
