About Root Canal Therapy
When caught early, tooth decay is addressed with a standard filling or something similar to remove the decay and close off the area. But when the decay expands beyond the outer tooth and affects the inner portion of the tooth, you may need a root canal. Also known as endodontic treatment, root canal therapy removes the infected pulp from the tooth, cleans the cavity, and then fills and seals the tooth with a dental crown or other restoration. At White Lotus Dental in McKinney, TX, general and cosmetic dentist Dr. Karuna Peravali may recommend root canal therapy to her North Texas patients because it treats the infection and keeps the decay from spreading to other teeth (and creating larger problems).
Best Candidates
An infection that reaches the pulp of your tooth might be the result of a severe crack or deep cavity in the tooth or a physical injury. Common signs that you might have a tooth infection are tooth pain, jaw pain, swollen, and discolored gums, and discoloration of the affected tooth. If the infected pulp is not treated, the pain and swelling will increase as the infection spreads to the rest of the mouth. In fact, in a more severe case, some patients may experience a tooth abscess, which can lead to extreme tooth pain and visible swelling of the face. Set up an appointment at White Lotus Dental at your earliest convenience if you notice any changes in your mouth. If you have anxieties or reservations about going to the dentist, don't hesitate to ask us about sedation dentistry to help you remain calm and at ease during your dental treatments. Root canal therapy is a treatment that has made significant advancements in recent years, making the procedure more seamless than ever for patients.
Root Canal Therapy Reviews
What to Expect
Prior to the treatment, your anesthetic/sedation options will be discussed with Dr. Peravali. We do not want you to feel fearful, anxious, or on-edge during your appointment. Several individuals opt for nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral-conscious sedation to undergo a root canal. Dr. Peravali understands and empathizes with those who have dental phobias, and will try to help you make the best decision for your sedation needs.
To perform an endodontic procedure, Dr. Peravali will ensure the area is completely numb before starting treatment. She will examine the innermost part of your tooth and carefully extract the affected pulp. Next, the inner chamber will be meticulously cleaned to eliminate leftover decay. To conclude the procedure, the tooth is filled with a dental filler to seal and protect it from further decay. After your root canal, a restoration will be needed to cover the treated area. In most cases, this involves a dental crown, which can last years if you follow a good oral hygiene routine.
Treatment Aftercare
If only local sedation is used, you will be able to drive and recover at home, but some sedation options may require you to have a friend or family member pick you up. Patients will have temporary numbness and some may have minor discomfort that can usually be treated with an over-the-counter painkiller. If a temporary crown was placed over the tooth, the permanent crown will be placed and fitted at a separate appointment. After a root canal, oral care, including brushing and flossing at home, plus visits to the dentist as recommended, is important to maintain the health of the treated tooth/teeth.
Insurance Coverage
At your consultation, Dr. Peravali's team will give you the exact cost so that you understand your financial obligation prior to the root canal treatment. If you currently carry dental insurance, we will call your provider to determine your coverage. In most root canal therapy cases, some (but not all) of the treatment costs are covered by insurance. If you do not have dental insurance, White Lotus Dental accepts several payment methods and will work with you toward finding an affordable payment plan.
Advanced Dental Care
Thanks to advances in dental 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 White Lotus Dental can be comfortable and save you from tooth pain or more invasive procedures. Contact our McKinney, TX dental practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Peravali for more information on root canal therapy and other ways to improve your dental health.
