Restorative Dentistry
Root Canals in Keller, TX
Root canals are the most notorious dental procedure, but they are so misunderstood. They are often portrayed as scary but root canals are an effective way to stop the pain, rid infection, and save your tooth!
The Truth About Root Canals
Though tooth-colored fillings are a popular treatment for most mild to moderate cavities, a tooth may sometimes be too thoroughly infected or damaged for a filling to successfully restore it. For more serious cases of tooth infection, root canal therapy may be the preferable (if not the only) option for saving the healthy tooth structure that remains. Root canals get a bad rap, but they are actually considered a non-surgical procedure and can be performed comfortably at our dental office in Keller.
What to Expect During a Root Canal
As tooth decay spreads, the bacteria that cause it to penetrate deeper into your tooth eventually reaches the nerves and blood vessels located at its center (called the pulp). Root canal treatment describes removing the diseased pulp and the infected tissues within the pulp chamber, as well as the connected root ‘canals’ that extend underneath your gums.
This is the process for root canal therapy at Sky Creek Dental:
- After your tooth is numbed and you have undergone dental sedation (if necessary), we will place a dental dam to isolate the tooth and protect it from saliva and bacteria.
- To begin the procedure, we will gently create a small hole in the tooth, through which the infected pulp tissues can be removed and the interior of the tooth is cleaned and sanitized.
- Once cleaned, the tooth’s root ‘canals’ will be sealed with a biocompatible material known as ‘gutta percha.’ The material strengthens the root canals in addition to sealing them to prevent the spread of infection.
- After the root canals and the interior of the tooth are filled, Dr. Brent Cornelius, Dr. Jessica Geurkink, or Dr. Sara Bustos, will recommend placing a dental crown over the tooth to improve its strength and appearance. In most cases, it is imperative that you have a crown placed after root canal treatment to reduce the risks of further dental damage and potential tooth loss.
Stop Infections & Rid Pain!
If your tooth is in severe discomfort, or if a previously placed filling has failed, then you may need root canal treatment to save your tooth. To find out, schedule an appointment by calling Sky Creek Dental in Keller at 817-431-4200.
We proudly serve the residents of Keller, Roanoke, Trophy Club, Westlake, Southlake, North Richland Hills, and all surrounding communities.