Alleviate Pain and Discomfort with Root Canal Therapy
When tooth decay reaches the innermost portion of your tooth, it can cause immense discomfort and impact your ability to eat and speak properly. To restore the structural integrity of your tooth and save it from extraction, Dr. Kenneth Curl will perform root canal treatment. This procedure involves removing infected tissue and repairing the tooth with a custom dental crown. Our office in The Woodlands, TX, is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, which enables us to identify areas of concern and precisely plan your procedure. If you are especially nervous about treatment, we can also administer sedation to put your mind at ease. We can help you decide which sedation option is right for you. Simply call our office at (281) 367-6777 to learn more.
Do You Need a Root Canal?
You may need a root canal if decay has penetrated from the outermost layer of the tooth to the central chamber, known as the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves. When this area is infected, it can result in painful symptoms including:
- Severe toothache
- Pain while chewing or biting down
- Inflammation around tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
If left untreated, an infected tooth could eventually fall out or otherwise require extraction. To avoid more extensive and costly restorative procedures, it is important to visit our office before your condition worsens.
Keep in mind that not all dental infections present with symptoms, which is why it is important to schedule biannual checkups. Your dentist is able to detect an infection with x-rays or other advanced images. Dr. Curl uses a GALILEOS® Comfort Plus 3-D scanner to assess the internal tissues of the teeth. After gathering more information, he will determine whether you may benefit from root canal therapy.
Root Canal Procedure
Thanks to modern anesthetics, root canal therapy is often as painless as receiving a filling. During the procedure, Dr. Curl will create a small pilot hole to access the inner chamber. He will remove infected tissue and reshape the canals. After thoroughly cleaning the canals, Dr. Curl can fill the space with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and place a temporary restoration. Your tooth may be restored with a composite resin filling or a custom crown a few weeks later.
Thanks to modern anesthetics, root canal therapy is often as painless as receiving a filling.
During your second visit to our office, Dr. Curl will check for signs of infection. If none are detected, he will secure your crown in place. With proper care, an endodontically treated tooth can last for a lifetime.
My dentist for 14 years and the only dentist I'll go to. Trustworthy, explains what he's doing, is honest about treatment plans he sees on the horizon, has seen me in an emergency. And his front desk staff is extraordinarily helpful for any insurance question I have -- they always stay up on insurance issues. In fact, when I've had to change plans, my first consideration is: "Does Dr. Curl take this plan?" I drive as far as I need to to get there. The best, no doubt about it. Great education and he literally sets the standards for other dentists (he used to approve and evaluate dental school graduates). Sal S.
Paying for a Root Canal
Root canal therapy is not an elective procedure and is intended to save your tooth from harmful infection. The procedure is covered by most insurance plans, and our office management can help you work with your provider to ensure you get the most of your benefits. For patients without dental insurance, a root canal is less expensive than tooth-replacement.
Do Not Delay Treatment
Root canal procedures eliminate pain caused by infection, and most patients experience immediate relief once the infection is removed. If you are experiencing signs of a dental infection, schedule an assessment as soon as possible. You may call our office at (281) 367-6777 or submit an online contact form anytime. With over 40 years of experience in dentistry, you can trust Dr. Curl to deliver the finest care available.