A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed – well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we also provide nitrous oxide analgesia if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. If a problem occurs we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene daily.
The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. The cost will be determined during your checkup with Dr. Mouton. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.
Dr Marsha Elaine Mouton is a graduate of the University of Texas Health and Science at the Houston Facility. She has been servicing the community since 1986. After graduation she continued on with her education at the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of Boston with extensive studies in endodontic treatment and surgery. Her approach to the treatment of her patients includes the holistic alternatives as she feels the consideration of her patients has to be a combination of the whole person, mind, body and spirit in her quest to offer them the optimum dental health and well being.