Root Canal Therapy in Pasadena, TX
The Dental Bridge Process
At Laughlin Dental, dental bridge installation begins by preparing abutment teeth. This involves removing some enamel and recontouring these teeth. This provides room for a fitted crown over these teeth to support the bridge.
Next, we’ll make an impression of your teeth, providing a model that we’ll use to craft your bridge and pontic. While you wait for your permanent bridge to arrive, the dentist makes a temporary one, protecting your teeth and gums.
During your next visit, the dentist removes your temporary bridge and checks your new bridge for fit. The dentist adjusts it, sometimes over multiple dental visits, before permanently cementing it into place. Once properly fitted, aligned and cemented into place, your bridge lasts 10–15 years or longer in some cases.
Root Canal Therapy Process
The process of root canal therapy includes first taking X-rays in the dentist’s office. These images show the root canal’s shape and whether infections are in surrounding bone. Local anesthesia numbs the tooth’s surrounding area.
To begin, your dentist places a rubber sheet, called a dam, around the tooth to keep the area dry and free of saliva. Next, the dentist drills an access hole into your tooth, removing the infected pulp, nerve tissue, and debris. Furthermore, the root canals receive cleansing and scrubbing. Finally, the dentist flushes debris away using water or sodium hypochlorite.
After the dentist thoroughly cleans your tooth, he seals it. Sometimes the dentist waits a week to seal the tooth, but most sealing takes place during the same appointment as the root canal procedure. If it’s best to wait a week, the dentist places a temporary filling in your tooth to keep saliva and food from contaminating the space.
How Do You Know If You Need Root Canal Therapy?
The most common symptom for understanding if you need root canal therapy is tooth pain. A toothache varies as some individuals experience mild pain while others suffer intolerable pain. However, the magnitude of the pain may diminish as the day progresses. Furthermore, you may experience sensitivity, especially with hot food or liquid.
Other warning signs that you need root canal therapy include:
- Swollen and tender gums near the problem area
- Dark tooth color
- Evidence of drainage from infection
- Changes and asymmetry in soft tissues around the tooth
During your exam, your dentist identifies which tooth or teeth show signs of infection. Next, additional testing and evaluation take place for proper diagnosis. Tests include one or more different methods, such as thermal testing, percussion testing, x-ray evaluation and electric pulp testing. Lastly, your dentist also checks the status of dental restorations, gum health, sensitivity and tooth strength.
Family Dental Care and Services
Your dentist in Pasadena, TX provides the dental services you need for healthy teeth and gums. Some services involve oral surgeries through a specialist, whereas others take place in the dentist’s office. Services you can count on from Laughlin Dental include:
Your dentist at Laughlin Dental works hard with you to help you avoid needing surgery. Focus on preventing your need for oral surgery through your best routine oral health care and hygiene. Start that best oral health by scheduling your next visit with Laughlin Dental now at (281) 801-6818.
