If you have a toothache that doesn’t seem to go away, you may be dealing with a more serious dental problem. It could be an infection that is deep within the inner layer of your tooth – the pulp. Our team at Kimberley Lane Cosmetic and Family Dentistry can perform root canal treatment in Houston as a safe way to save your tooth from possible extraction. Let us know how we can help by calling our office today.
The root canal procedure requires several steps that your dentist will take to ensure the complete removal of bacteria. After administering local anesthesia to numb the areas surrounding the tooth, it will be isolated with the help of a latex covering so that moisture does not reach it. Using specialized instruments, your dentist will create a small opening in the top of the crown to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
These will be cleaned out thoroughly, removing all infected tissues, the pulp, and existing bacteria. Once complete, a biocompatible solution known as gutta-percha will fill in the space previously occupied by the pulp, and a filling will be applied to seal the tooth from future reinfection. A custom restoration (crown) will be crafted and placed over the tooth so that it can strengthen over time and allow you to eat and speak normally without any pain.
No, you should not expect your root canal procedure to be painful. Although there are many misconceptions and myths that can be found on the internet about this type of treatment, we want to assure you that you will remain in safe and capable hands. What many people do not know is that the reason for the discomfort is the infection that exists within the pulp. Once it is removed, the pain goes away with it.
While you can expect there to be some soreness after your procedure, this can be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever. During your root canal, though, you should expect to feel no discomfort at all because of the local anesthesia and removal of the pulp.
You will need to review your dental insurance coverage and benefits to determine if it is covered. Many plans do include it as a major or minor form of restorative treatment, which means they will provide 50-80% coverage; however, this is not always the case. If you need assistance to review your policy, a member of our team will be happy to help. Should your dental insurance not cover the cost, you can enroll in flexible financing through CareCredit to help ease the financial burden.
Your checkup and cleaning will be covered! Request an appointment to have a friendly member of our team get back to you with more information.
Request AppointmentWhile we are not a preferred provider with your insurance, there is a 90% chance your checkup and cleaning will be covered! Request an appointment to have a friendly member of our team get back to you with more information.
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