Overview
When caught early, tooth decay can be treated with a dental filling or a similar procedure to clean the enamel and seal the area. However, if the decay expands past the enamel and infects the inner pulp of the tooth, you will need a root canal. Also known as an endodontic treatment, root canal therapy at Stone Lake Dental removes the infected pulp from the tooth, cleans the cavity, and then uses a filling material to seal the tooth. Our certified dentists recommend this therapy to Wichita Falls, TX patients because it not only treats the infected tooth, it prevents the decay from spreading to other teeth (and creating larger problems).
If you suspect you need to have a root canal, we understand if you have reservations about having this procedure. A root canal is a very common dental therapy, yet many people put off going to see a dentist for a toothache because of dental anxiety. Our dental team will do their very best to make sure you are at ease and relaxed naturally, but we also offer several methods of sedation for any anxiety. Contact Stone Lake Dental to schedule a consultation and learn more about root canal therapy and sedation dentistry.
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Best Candidates
An infection in the pulp of a tooth can be caused by a deep crack or cavity in the tooth or a physical trauma. Some of the most common signs that you may have an infected tooth are tooth or jaw pain, swelling or discoloration of the gums around the tooth, and changes in the color of the tooth. If the infected pulp is not removed, it will become increasingly painful as the infection spreads to other parts of your mouth. Schedule an appointment at Stone Lake Dental as soon as you feel or see something abnormal in your mouth. If you have reservations or fears about visiting the dentist, please ask us about sedation options to keep you calm and comfortable during your exam and treatment.
What To Expect
Before the procedure, we will discuss your sedation and/or anesthetic options. We do not want you to feel anxious, nervous, or fearful while you are at our office. Many patients request nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas) or oral-conscious sedation to get them through a root canal. Our dental team is very understanding of dental anxieties and will help you make the appropriate decision on how to proceed.
During an endodontic procedure, the inner chamber of your tooth will be assessed and then the infected pulp will be carefully removed. From there, the inside of the empty chamber will be thoroughly sterilized to remove any remaining decay. Once it is cleaned, the tooth will be filled with a special material to seal and protect it.
Recovery
Depending on the type of sedation that was used, you may need to have a responsible adult take you home after your procedure. Your mouth may feel sensitive or swollen, but this should not last more than a few days and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. You should schedule a follow-up appointment for six months after your root canal. Our dental team will check to see that the infection is gone and that your mouth has healed. After that, you should continue to schedule annual dental exams and bi-annual cleanings to maintain your dental health.
Insurance Coverage
During your consultation, a member of our team will go over cost estimates so your treatment fits both your needs and budget. If you have dental insurance, we can contact your carrier to determine your coverage. If you don't have dental insurance, Stone Lake Dental accepts many payment methods and we can help you find low-interest medical financing.
Root Canal Therapy
Thanks to advances in medical techniques and technology, a root canal can be a fast, easy process to treat an infected tooth. Along with different levels of sedation, your root canal at Stone Lake Dental can be comfortable and save you from tooth pain or more invasive procedures. Contact our office in Wichita Falls, TX to schedule a consultation for more information on root canal therapy and other ways to improve your dental health.