Root Canals in Conroe, TX
Do you want to keep your teeth for as long as possible? Of course, you do! That’s why root canal treatment is so great – they save natural teeth that could otherwise be lost. Now, if you’re feeling a bit anxious about having a root canal treatment, don’t worry – it’s one of the common dental procedures that is virtually painless.
In fact, the situations that lead to root canals are usually much more uncomfortable than the root canal therapy itself. Dr. Carolyn Jovanovic is proud to provide root canals, among other services, to her dental patients from The Woodlands, Conroe, Willis, and Spring, Texas. So, you can relax – with their modern technology, your teeth are in safe hands.
Root Canal Treatment - How is The Root Canal Procedure Done
When the inner part of a patient’s tooth becomes infected with deep decay and spreads to the pulp chamber, dental work needs to be done. A root canal is a common procedure and is often the recommended treatment. Dr. Jovanovic, a dental professional, performs this procedure by first administering local anesthesia, and sedation if necessary, to the patient.
After the anesthesia and sedation take effect, Dr. Jovanovic removes the infected pulp and nerve from the damaged tooth. These components are unnecessary for the tooth’s normal function, so it can still work just like other healthy teeth after the root canal treatment. To provide extra protection, Dr. Jovanovic may place a crown on top of the natural tooth.
Root canal treatment is usually completed in one or two visits. In some cases when the root canal treatment needed is more complex, we may refer the patient to an endodontist.
Signs that You May Need a Root Canal
Infections usually come with similar symptoms – such as swelling and fever, for example. And while these symptoms may be present with an infected tooth, you’re likely to experience some other indications as well. If you need a root canal, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
Toothache
When a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain and discomfort. It’s important to do a root canal treatment in these cases because the infection or inflammation within the tooth will not go away on its own.
By removing the infected or inflamed pulp tissue and filling the tooth, a root canal can relieve pain and prevent the spread of infection, allowing the tooth to be saved and restored to its normal function. So, if you are experiencing severe pain from an affected tooth, it’s important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible, including the possibility of a root canal if necessary.
Swollen, red, and/or painful gum tissue around a diseased tooth
If the swollen, red, and/or painful gum tissue around a certain tooth does not improve with brushing and flossing, it is important to seek dental care as soon as possible. This is because this symptom may be indicative of an infection or other dental health issue, such as gingivitis or periodontal disease.
A dentist can diagnose the underlying cause of the symptom and provide appropriate treatment. Treatment may include a deep cleaning, antibiotics, or a root canal. Additionally, if the gum tissue is swollen due to an abscess, the dentist may need to perform a drainage procedure to relieve the symptoms. With prompt and proper treatment, the swollen, red, and/or painful gum tissue should improve.
Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks
Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks can also manifest in other ways. For example, some people may have an aversion to temperatures that are not considered to be particularly hot or cold.
This may include temperatures that are slightly warm or cool but not extreme. Additionally, some people may experience a burning sensation when they consume food or drinks that have a temperature that is too close to their body temperature. This can be a very uncomfortable experience, and it can be difficult to find food or drinks that are the right temperature.
A darkened tooth
A darkened tooth can be caused by a variety of factors, from poor oral hygiene to genetics. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay and cavities, which can cause the tooth to darken. Smoking and certain foods and drinks can also lead to tooth discoloration. Genetics plays a role in tooth discoloration as well, and some people may be more prone to darkening teeth than others. In some cases, the darkening may be caused by medications, such as tetracycline, or by a trauma to the tooth.
In some cases, a darkened tooth can be treated with a professional whitening procedure. The procedure may involve bleaching the tooth with a special gel or applying a porcelain veneer to the tooth. However, in more extreme cases, a root canal procedure or a dental crown may be necessary to correct the discoloration. A dentist can help determine the best course of action for treating a darkened tooth.
A sore on the gums next to a tooth
If you notice a sore on your gums near a tooth, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. The sore could be the result of an infection, or the result of gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis. It could also be a sign of a dental abscess, which is an infection in the soft tissues of the mouth.
Your dentist will be able to determine the cause of the sore and provide the appropriate treatment. Depending on the cause, this may involve antibiotics, a root canal, or even a tooth extraction. If left untreated, the infection could spread to the surrounding teeth and gums, leading to further dental problems. Therefore, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you notice a sore on your gums next to a tooth.
What is the recovery time and aftercare?
Recovery time after a root canal treatment can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, a patient can expect to experience some discomfort for a few days after the procedure.
However, pain medications can be taken to alleviate any discomfort and over-the-counter pain relievers may be sufficient for mild pain. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within 1-2 days.
Swelling and tenderness may occur, but usually subsides within a week. In some cases, a temporary crown may be placed in the area until a permanent crown can be placed, which may take a few weeks. Following the procedure, the patient should attend routine follow-up appointments with their dentist to ensure that the root canal treatment was successful.
Contact Our Office Today
If you think you might need a root canal and would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jovanovic, contact our office today. We are pleased to serve patients from throughout The Woodlands, Conroe, Willis, and Spring, Texas area.
Contact Our Office Today
If you think you might need a root canal and would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jovanovic, contact our office today. We are pleased to serve patients from throughout The Woodlands, Conroe, Willis, and Spring, Texas area.