Root Canal Treatment in El Paso, TX | Horizon Dental

If you have a severe toothache or have been told you need a root canal, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s explore what a root canal is, its many benefits, and why it’s a safe and long-lasting solution for your dental health.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure designed to treat an infection in the soft tissue deep inside your tooth. This tissue, called the pulp, contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, a crack, or an injury, it can cause severe pain and lead to an abscess.

During a root canal treatment, your dentist carefully removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then fills and seals the space. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, ensuring you feel no pain. In fact, a root canal is designed to get you out of pain, not cause it.

The Benefits of Choosing Root Canal Treatment

Saving your natural tooth is always the best option. A root canal makes this possible and offers several key advantages.

• Pain Relief: The primary benefit is the immediate relief from the intense pain caused by an infected tooth. The procedure removes the source of the infection, and any discomfort afterward is typically mild and manageable.
• Saves Your Natural Tooth: A root canal allows you to keep your tooth, which is crucial for proper chewing and maintaining the natural alignment of your other teeth.
• Prevents the Spread of Infection: An untreated infection can spread to other teeth, your jawbone, or even other parts of your body. A root canal stops the infection in its tracks.
• Efficient and Cost-Effective: A root canal is typically less expensive and requires fewer dental visits than extracting a tooth and replacing it with a bridge, implant, or partial denture.
• Visually Appealing Restoration: After the procedure, the tooth is usually restored with a crown that looks and feels just like your other teeth, preserving your natural smile.

How Does a Root Canal Compare to Other Treatments?

When you have a severely infected tooth, you generally have two choices: root canal treatment or tooth extraction. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you make an informed decision for your oral health.

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction

Root Canal Treatment

• Pros:
  • You keep your natural tooth.
  • Maintains your normal biting force and sensation.
  • Protects surrounding teeth from shifting.
  • Generally less costly than extraction and replacement.
• Cons:
  • Requires placing a crown to protect the tooth.
  • The procedure is more complex than a simple extraction.

Tooth Extraction

• Pros:
  • The initial procedure can be faster and less expensive.
  • Completely removes the source of infection.
• Cons:
  • Creates a gap that can cause other teeth to shift.
  • Can lead to bone loss in the jaw where the tooth was.
  • Requires a replacement (implant, bridge, or denture) to restore function and appearance, which adds significant cost and time.
  • Can affect your ability to chew and speak properly.

Choosing to save your tooth with a root canal is an investment in your long-term health. It avoids the complications that can arise from losing a tooth.

The Root Canal Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide

At Horizon Dental, we ensure your root canal experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:

1. Numbing the Area: First, we will take X-rays to see the shape of the root canals and check for signs of infection. Then, we will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth completely. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
2. Accessing the Pulp: We place a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean. Your dentist then makes a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the infected pulp.
3. Cleaning the Canals: Using very small instruments, we will carefully remove the damaged pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. The inside of the tooth is then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
4. Filling and Sealing: Once the tooth is clean, we fill the canals with a rubber-like, biocompatible material called gutta-percha. It is sealed in place with an adhesive cement. A temporary filling is placed to close the opening.
5. Restoration: After a week or two, you will return to our office to have a permanent crown placed on the tooth. The crown protects the treated tooth from breaking and restores its full function.

Long-Lasting Effectiveness of Root Canal Treatment

A tooth that has received proper root canal treatment and is restored with a crown can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene. The success rate for root canals is very high. By brushing and flossing daily and attending regular dental check-ups, you can ensure your restored tooth stays healthy for years to come. Think of it as giving your tooth a second chance.

Schedule Your Painless Root Canal in El Paso, TX

Don’t let fear or misinformation stop you from saving your tooth. At Horizon Dental, our experienced team uses modern techniques and technology to provide gentle and effective root canal therapy. We are committed to relieving your pain and restoring your smile.

If you are experiencing tooth pain or have questions about root canal treatment, contact Horizon Dental today to schedule your consultation in El Paso, TX.