To Root Canal or Not Root Canal?

For many people, the phrase “root canal” has a negative connotation, but we have good news. Root canals are actually pain relieving, tooth saving procedures. The negative associations people have with root canals actually relate to the toothache that precedes this treatment. At Boyles General Dentistry, we offer root canal therapy to prevent the unnecessary loss of teeth. Our Odessa dentist and team also offer tooth replacement options when root canal therapy cannot preserve the tooth.

How Does Root Canal Save My Tooth?

Root canals are recommended when tooth decay or damage reaches the interior layer of the tooth called the pulp. The tooth’s nerve system runs through the pulp and out to the rest of the body through the roots of the tooth. Unfortunately, when decay or damage reaches this interior layer, the result can be a very painful toothache.

Root canal therapy is a safe and comfortable procedure. We drill a small hole into the pulp. Then, the pulp and nerve tissue are removed. A similar substance is used to replace the extracted pulp. The access hole is resealed, and typically, a dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to protect it from further damage.

What Can I do if Root Canal Cannot Save My Tooth?

If the tooth is beyond repair, we offer extraction and tooth replacement options as well. For many people, we can provide dental implant tooth replacement for the most natural looking and feeling restoration. In some cases, we can complete the extraction and dental implant placement on the same day. The dental implant process does take an extra time commitment, but the results are longer lasting and most closely mimic the tooth you lost. We also offer other tooth replacement options like crown and bridge. We’ll help you determine which of these services meets your needs, and walk you through all of your options.

How Do I Know What Treatment I Need?

The only way to know for sure is to contact our team to schedule a dental consultation. During your appointment, we’ll examine your tooth, and explain all of your treatment options. We recommend patients contact us if they experience any of the following warning signs:

• Severe toothache with sharp pain while chewing or chronic throbbing pain
• Sensitivity that lingers following the introduction of a hot or cold item
• Darkened tooth enamel over the damaged tooth
• Infection or inflammation surrounding the pained tooth