Root Canal Therapy
Austin, TX
 Endodontic therapy, commonly known as root canal therapy, is a dental procedure designed to preserve a tooth afflicted with infected pulp, preventing the need for extraction. The pulp, located beneath the enamel and dentin layers, is the soft inner portion of the tooth. Once infected, the pulp cannot self-heal, but our dentist at Duggan Endodontics can employ a therapeutic process to save the tooth, eliminate the infection, and restore its natural function.
Why Undergo Root Canal Treatment?
Root canals become necessary to remove bacteria when the pulp is incapable of self-healing. Left untreated, the infection can progress, leading to the demise of the affected tooth and potential damage to adjacent teeth and supporting bone.
The root canal process involves clearing the infected bacteria from the tooth's root. Our dentist will remove the pulp, nerves, and infected material, effectively halting the infection.
To understand your tooth's structure, envision two hard layers—enamel and dentin—surrounding the soft pulp containing nerves, blood vessels, connective tissues, and the tooth's root. While vital during tooth development, the pulp becomes unnecessary once the tooth matures, with nourishment sourced from surrounding tissues.
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Fractures, including microscopic hairline fractures allowing bacterial entry
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Decay extending beyond enamel and dentin layers into the soft inner portion
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Impact injuries causing fractures that permit bacterial passage
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Large fillings leaving spaces for debris entry
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Repeated dental work making it challenging to prevent bacterial entry
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Infected calcium deposits accumulating within the tooth |
The infection of the pulp can occur through various circumstances. Decay, a crack in the tooth, multiple dental procedures on the tooth, or an impact injury to the tooth are potential scenarios where bacteria can enter. Once a passage is established, bacteria can infiltrate, and the tooth lacks the ability to heal without the intervention of a dentist.
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The root canal procedure will begin with the removal of infected material, followed by the restoration of your tooth and redeveloping its strength. After applying anesthesia for the comfort of the patient during the procedure, our dentist will remove decay and infected pulp, leaving only the enamel and dentin layers. The cleaned space will then be filled with a medicated rubber material, promoting healing and preventing bacterial recurrence.
Depending on the location of the tooth, our dentist may recommend a dental crown for added strength. This protective measure is crucial to prevent fractures in compromised teeth. Dental crown options will be discussed to determine the most suitable choice based on individual circumstances and preferences. With the application of a dental crown, the tooth will be fully restored and functional.
While generally safe and highly successful, root canal treatment does come with certain risks and potential complications. Understanding these risks can help you make informed decisions and manage your expectations. These are some of the complications that could occur, although not commonly.
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Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Contrary to a common misconception, root canal procedures are not painful. The actual procedure is painless because we administer anesthesia to ensure our patients experience no pain during the root canal process. The discomfort often associated with root canals is related to infected nerves. The pain is a response to the infection within the tooth, serving as your body's way of signaling a problem. This discomfort may manifest as tenderness or sensitivity to hot or cold substances. Our goal is to eliminate the infected portion of your tooth to alleviate this pain.
The concept of treating tooth infections dates back to 2000 BCE when ancient civilizations employed primitive tools to drill into teeth and alleviate pain. The first recorded instance of a procedure resembling a modern root canal was performed by the Indus Valley Civilization, utilizing bow drills (a hand-operated tool). This early dental innovation marked a significant milestone in the history of oral care, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient peoples in their efforts to address dental ailments.
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Schedule an Appointment
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you may need a root canal. Call (512)-380-0777 to schedule your appointment now! |
