Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment in Houston
When a tooth becomes damaged by trauma or decay, the inner pulp of the tooth can become susceptible to infection. Bacteria that enters through cavities, chips, and cracks can colonize within the tooth’s root creating an often painful infection. Left untreated, the infection may eventually lead to extraction of the affected tooth and other serious problems.
A root canal is a common dental procedure that can treat infection of the dental pulp, save the tooth, and help prevent future infections. Our dentist, Wayde Fawcett, DDS, performs root canals and other endodontic treatments using state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology to eradicate infection. His expertise in cosmetic dentistry allows him to create durable and natural-looking porcelain crowns, inlays, and onlays to fully restore tooth structure and function after successful root canal treatment.
What Is a Root Canal?
~ Brady
What Are the Symptoms of a Tooth Infection?
- Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swelling of the gums
- Pressure beneath the tooth
- Tenderness around the tooth
- Persistent toothache
The Root Canal Procedure
Once Dr. Fawcett has diagnosed the infection with a thorough dental exam and X-rays, your treatment can begin. To start, the area is desensitized with local anesthetic, which should help eliminate any pain during the procedure. If desired, additional sedation dentistry techniques may be used to reduce dental anxiety and induce deep relaxation.
Dr. Fawcett will begin by removing any areas of decay from the tooth and accessing the tooth’s root canal. Using specialized tools, he removes the infected pulp and nerve, thoroughly cleans and enlarges the canals, and then seals and fills the tooth. At a second appointment, the filling is removed and the tooth is checked for any signs of remaining infection. The area is then sterilized, and finally, a custom porcelain inlay, onlay, or crown is firmly cemented to the tooth. Dr. Fawcett is very careful to ensure a tight fit and seal to prevent bacteria from reentering the tooth.
In some cases, the root canal treatment and restoration process may be completed during one appointment. Our CEREC® machine allows us to design and craft custom crowns, inlays, and onlays during a single visit for patient convenience.
Dr. Fawcett can also perform root canal re-treatment procedures in which a tooth has become re-infected over time, either due to bacteria remaining in the root after the initial procedure or bacteria re-entering the root through a newly formed cavity, cracked filling, or broken seal.
Root Canal Treatment
What Is Root Canal Recovery Like?
Contact the Fawcett Center for Dentistry, P.A.
