A root canal is a procedure that removes infected and inflamed tissue from inside a tooth. The pulp inside the tooth is removed and replaced with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. This helps stop the infection from continuing and prevents the tooth from becoming brittle or darker in color. The affected tooth will be capped with a custom crown to improve its appearance and strength significantly. 

If you have a damaged or diseased tooth, it may be a good candidate for a root canal. At Dr Be Smiles, our dentist will be able to determine if you need a root canal after examining your tooth. X-rays may also be taken of your teeth to look for cavities or abscesses. If you’re unsure if you need treatment, our dentist can help you determine whether or not you would benefit from the procedure. 

The Root Canal Procedure 

The dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure. The dentist will create a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the pulp. The dentist will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth using special tools. The dentist will clean and shape the inside of the tooth to prepare it for filling. The dentist will fill the canal with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and seal it with an adhesive cement to prevent further infection. After the root canal procedure, the tooth may be restored with a filling or a crown to provide additional protection and restore its shape and function. 

 The Benefits of Root Canal Treatments

• Permanently clean the infected area, leaving you with a healthier tooth.
• Prevent infection from spreading to other teeth or areas of your face.
• Save the tooth from being extracted and avoid replacing it with a bridge or a dental implant.
• Restore your chewing ability and eliminate any pain or discomfort associated with the infection. 
• Save you time and money as opposed to replacing the tooth. 
• Reduce the risk of additional tooth pain in the future due to the root being exposed due to extraction.
• Improve your overall oral health and prevent the need for future procedures due to an infected tooth.

Root canal therapy is a standard and effective procedure to save a damaged or infected tooth from extraction. It can also relieve tooth pain or sensitivity caused by the infection or inflammation in the pulp. With proper care and maintenance, a tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure can last a lifetime. Visit Dr Be Smiles at 4511 N Midkiff Rd, Suite E-15, Midland, TX 79705, or call (432) 520-4867 for the best dental care.