Expert Care to Relieve Your Tooth Pain

The Root Canal Process Explained

The purpose of root canal therapy in Grand Prairie is to restore a severely damaged tooth – one that can’t be repaired with a filling. In these situations, decay has penetrated deeper into the tooth. Dr. Gonzales addresses the issue by removing the decayed tissue and fully restoring the tooth using the latest, safest and most effective methods. After the first phase of the treatment process is complete, he’ll place a temporary crown and use our in-office pre-fabrication software to design a porcelain crown restoration. We’ll then send the details to our trusted, local lab for the final fabrication.

Why a Root Canal May be Necessary

A filling is used to restore damaged enamel, which is the protective outer layer of the tooth. But the procedure is only effective if performed before the bacteria growth has traveled deeper. When the decay reaches the more sensitive dentin and then the pulp areas, where the canals and nerves are located, a filling won’t suffice. As a basic rule of thumb, if you’re experiencing a toothache, you’re likely in need of a root canal.
If you find yourself in this predicament, then you should immediately reach out to our Grand Prairie office to schedule a visit. The sooner you act, the less tooth damage you’ll have to endure and the quicker you’ll get relief from the pain.

How a Typical Root Canal Works

In most cases, we’ll complete the root canal process in two visits. Here’s what will typically transpire:

• X-rays captured to pinpoint the decay
• Numbing medication administered
• Incision made into the tooth to gain access to the decayed tissue
• The infected tissue removed and the area cleaned
• A compound called gutta-percha added to fill the tooth
• The tooth sealed
• Bite impressions taken and a temporary crown placed

Usually, the final restoration will be ready in 10-14 days. Once we receive it, we’ll give you a call and invite you back to the office to have it permanently placed. Therefore, you can get back to leading a normal life.

Complete Restoration Without the Pain

As mentioned earlier, the days of dreadful root canal procedures are long gone. Before the process gets underway, we’ll carefully numb the treatment area to ensure your complete comfort. In actuality, the procedure can be likened to having a cavity filled.

However, you can expect to have some slight discomfort post-procedure (for up to 24 hours), after the numbing medication wears off. Thankfully, this is usually minimal and can be managed by taking ibuprofen. Additionally, we recommend avoiding hard or sharp-edged foods until you’ve been fitted with the permanent restoration, as to avoid an unnecessary dental emergency.

There is no need to endure tooth pain. So if you’re facing this problem, we encourage you to contact your dentist in Grand Prairie to get the help you need.