Root canal therapy may not have the best reputation, but it can actually save patients money and additional dental issues when a tooth is compromised by decay or infection. Root canal therapy is a beneficial alternative to tooth extraction, as it can save dying teeth.

While tooth extraction can ultimately prove costly and lead to significant problems for adjacent teeth, root canal therapy can restore a tooth’s full function. During a root canal, Dr. Thompson will remove the pulp (live tissue inside the tooth), nerves, decay and bacteria from the affected tooth and replace it with medicated dental material, fully restoring the tooth.

Root canal treatments can have beneficial effects that last a lifetime, though re-treatment may be necessary due to new infections.

If you are suffering from any of the following conditions or symptoms, root canal therapy may be right for you:

• Abscess or pimple on the gum tissue

• Injury or trauma to the tooth

• Severe toothache

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Sensitivity to extreme temperatures

Dr. Thompson has extensive experience in performing root canal procedures at his office in Plano, TX, and will do everything possible to ensure each patient a comfortable and effective treatment. After numbing the affected tooth, a sheet of rubber known as a dental dam will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry. An access opening will be made on the top of the tooth, and a series of root canal files will be placed into the opening to remove the pulp, nerve tissue and bacteria. Decay will also be removed, as necessary, with special dental tools.

After the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and prepared, it will be filled with special dental material and sealed with a permanent filling. Sometimes a temporary filling will be used if additional appointments are needed. After the filling is placed to cover the opening on the top of the tooth, a crown, or cap, will be placed on the tooth to protect it from breaking and restore its full function. After a root canal, the affected tooth may be sensitive for a time, but any pain will decrease as the inflammation caused by the procedure subsides and the tooth has healed.