26 Jan How Successful Is a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatments have a bad reputation among dental procedures. However, the root canal as it is performed today is not terribly uncomfortable, and can be compared to a standard dental filling or crown procedure. Also, when a root canal is necessary, it can mean the difference between keeping and losing the affected tooth. If you are in need of a root canal in San Antonio 78229 or the surrounding area, our dental offices can help.
When Is a Root Canal Necessary?
Root canals are typically performed when the tooth is severely damaged or is suffering from severe infection. In these cases, the tooth is so damaged that it cannot function without the root canal treatment, or the discomfort from the injury or infection has become severe enough that you are unable to use the tooth comfortably. Having a root canal treatment can enable you to keep your tooth, but eliminate the discomfort. [pullquote]Root canals are typically performed when the tooth is severely damaged or is suffering from severe infection.[/pullquote]
In most cases, root canal treatments are successful, and the tooth remains functional for many years. Sometimes, however, infection can return, especially if it was not completely eliminated in the initial procedure. If infection returns, it might be necessary to remove the tooth.
How a Root Canal Works
In a root canal procedure, the interior tissue of the tooth, called the pulp, is removed along with the nerve that serves the tooth. The chamber in which the pulp resides is called the root canal—thus providing the procedure with its common name. The dentist drills a small hole in the tooth, through which he then inserts tools of various sizes to extract the infected tissue.
After the infected or damaged tissue is removed, the interior of the tooth is disinfected and filled with a special, sterile substance. A crown is then placed over the tooth, after which normal function is restored and any discomfort should be gone. With a root canal, a tooth that otherwise might have been lost is preserved.
If you need more information about the root canal procedure, or believe you might need a root canal, please contact the office of Drs. Bonner and Huriega at 210-616-0858 today.