Are you experiencing intense discomfort in a tooth? Has it been going on for some time now? Enduring your routine every day with a constant source of discomfort can be incredibly challenging. Your discomfort could be caused by an infection inside of your tooth and may require a root canal to relieve it. Our root canal 101 post can help answer your questions about root canal therapy.

What is a root canal?

Rooth canal treatment is just one of our quality general and family dentistry services in Waco, Temple, and Gatesville, Texas. It is a treatment where your tooth’s pulp, which is a very small tissue located in the center of the tooth is removed because it is damaged or diseased. After eradicating the diseased tissue, the cavity in the tooth is cleaned and then filled, sealing off the actual root canal.

What can cause damage to the pulp?

Some of the most common causes can include deep cavities, a cracked tooth or an injury to the tooth, whether it is recent or in the past. If a tooth’s pulp becomes infected, and it is not treated, an abscess could form that can destroy the bone around the tooth.

How is a root canal done?

As mentioned before, the pulp is removed after our [dr_type] creates a small opening in the back of the tooth or in the crown. The damaged tissue is removed, the space is cleared, enlarged and then shaped to get it ready for filling. Typically, a rubbery material, called a gutta-percha will be used to permanently fill the pulp chamber and root canal area. A crown may be used to complete the procedure and restore the tooth’s natural appearance and function.

Root Canal 101 in Waco, Temple, and Gatesville, Texas

If you’re in the Waco, Temple, or Gatesville, Texas, area and want more information about root canals, call Acre Wood Dental today to set up a consultation with one of our dentists.