Root Canals

Infected, cracked, or deeply decayed teeth may benefit from root canal therapy. At Affordable Dental Associates in El Paso and Socorro, Texas, Mehrnoosh Darj, DDS, and the team can help preserve your natural teeth with root canals. This tooth-saving treatment is essential to reduce your need for more invasive treatments. Call the nearest office today or schedule an appointment online to find out if you need a root canal.

What are root canals?

A root canal is a tooth-saving treatment that treats deeply decayed or infected teeth. Every tooth has a hollow center called the root canal. Inside the root canal is a soft material called pulp, which contains tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. Once the pulp becomes infected, it can irreparably damage your tooth. The infection can also spread to your surrounding teeth.

Pulp is not necessary once your teeth fully mature. To save your damaged tooth from extraction, the team at Affordable Dental Associates may perform root canal therapy and remove the pulp.

What are the signs that root canals are necessary?

You may not realize you need a root canal until the infection or decay causes deep damage. That’s why regular teeth cleanings and dental exams are essential. When the team examines your teeth and takes digital X-rays, they can identify decay to prevent it from permanently damaging your teeth.

Other common signs that you may benefit from a root canal include:

• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Swollen gums
• Throbbing tooth pain
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Earaches

Tooth abscesses are dangerous to your oral health. You may have an abscess if you notice a small, pimple-like bump on your gums. This pus-filled sac contains harmful bacteria that, when ruptured, can spread into your bloodstream. Early intervention is essential to protect health.

What do root canals involve?

When you arrive, the Affordable Dental Associates team administers a local anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums. They create an access hole in the center of your tooth to reach the inflamed pulp. After removing the pulp, the team cleans out the root canal. They may apply medication to the canal to prevent reinfection. 

Once your root canal is completely free of bacteria and debris, the team fills it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material helps strengthen the tooth to prevent new damage.

What happens after root canals?

After your root canal, the team may recommend returning for a dental crown. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that protects vulnerable teeth. The cap restores the shape and size of the tooth while sealing out bacteria and providing a barrier against damage.

Call Affordable Dental Associates today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about root canals.