Patients visiting Clear Lake Dental Care and Implant Center often ask about the procedures that are available to maintain a healthy smile. This is especially the case when patients are dealing with a severe toothache. A toothache may be an indicator of many different conditions, including a large, untreated cavity or an infection inside of the tooth. When this happens, a toothache can become almost unbearable and may require surgical intervention. The best treatment for a tooth in this situation is often endodontic therapy, or “root canal treatment.”
What Is Endodontic Therapy??
Endodontic therapy is best described as an oral surgery in which the dentist takes out the dental pulp from within the canals of the natural tooth. The oral surgeon achieves this by creating a small access point into the tooth to take out the mass of tissues from within. The empty canals are then disinfected to treat any bacteria that may remain, and the tooth is then sealed off using materials such as gutta percha and popular composite resin bonding. In some instances, the dentist might also place a custom dental crown over the tooth as an extra step towards protecting and strengthening the tooth’s structure and integrity.
What Are The Alternative Treatments To Endodontic Therapy?
Unfortunately, root canal therapy is often the only way to save a tooth from permanent extraction. It is commonly performed as a way to keep the natural tooth in place and avoid replacements such as dentures, bridges, and dental implants. There is no alternative other than extraction in many of these cases.
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
This is a common question we hear from patients who visit our practice with a toothache. In order to determine if a patient is in need of endodontic treatment, we evaluate the individual to give them a proper diagnosis before beginning therapies. If you are concerned about a severe toothache that might require dental intervention, call our team at Clear Lake Dental Care and Implant Center at (832) 479-4676 to request an appointment. Our practice is conveniently located in Webster, TX at 202 West Medical Center Boulevard and accepts new patients.
