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Sometimes, the cavity inside each tooth can become injured or infected. When this happens, you face a higher risk of dental infection, tooth loss, and severe pain. Fortunately, with prompt diagnosis, your dentist can often resolve the problem—and preserve your tooth—through root canal therapy. To help you better protect your smile, here are a few important details you should know about this common dental procedure.

What to Know About Root Canals

How Can You Prevent the Need for a Root Canal?

Dental infections that occur inside the tooth are a common reason why people require root canal therapy. The best way to keep bacteria from infecting your teeth is to brush and floss regularly, as well as visit your dentist for cleanings about once every six months.

In other cases, you may need a root canal because an extensive portion of the tooth was broken or damaged due to traumatic injury. While these incidents aren’t always preventable, wearing protective mouth guards during physical activity can help keep your teeth safe. You should also refrain from chewing on hard objects—such as ice or pens—to prevent teeth from breaking.

What Are Signs I Need a Root Canal?

root canalsWhen nerves in a tooth become exposed or infected, you will likely develop increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, as well as experience discomfort when chewing. Depending on the extent of the infection, you may also notice that your gums become swollen or that discharge is coming from the affected area.

What Does Treatment Involve?

Your dentist will begin by drilling a small hole in the top or the back of the tooth. Using this hole for access, the dental pulp is removed. The area is then sterilized to kill bacteria and prevent further infection. Next, a pliable material is used to fill the cavity and preserve the tooth’s structural integrity. Depending on the amount of surface damage, a filling or dental crown may be used to restore the tooth’s natural shape and protect it from further injury.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

Root canal therapy is a fairly pain-free experience when performed by an experienced dentist. In addition to using anesthetics to numb the area, your dentist may offer additional sedatives to help you relax during treatment.

 

If you’re experiencing a toothache, Richard J. Mazour, DDS, is equipped to pinpoint the source of the problem and offer comfortable care for relief. Whether your symptoms are due to an infection or physical trauma, he’ll help protect your smile with restorative treatments—including root canals and fillings. If structural damage is present, you can also count on this dentist to provide cosmetic solutions—such as dental crowns—to maintain your appearance. To learn more about the services this provider offers in Superior and Beatrice, NE, visit the clinic online. For appointments, call (402) 223-­5109 to reach the Beatrice clinic or (402) 879-3192 for the Superior location.

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