Preserve Your Oral Health with a Root Canal Procedure

A root canal procedure at our San Antonio practice can restore a severely-damaged tooth in as little as one visit. If bacteria reaches the vulnerable inner chamber of the tooth, the soft tissue, or pulp will become infected. Once the health of the nerve is compromised, the tooth will die. However, the tooth may not require extraction if root canal therapy can eliminate the bacterial infection. Although root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, the truth is, removing infection relieves pain. In addition, advancements in dentistry mean root canal treatment is more comfortable and efficient than ever before. If you have been told that you need a root canal, or you suffer from an acute toothache, contact us today to schedule an exam and consultation with Dr. Chris Reger.

Common Symptoms

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you may need a root canal procedure. Schedule an appointment if you notice:

• Severe discomfort that worsens when you apply pressure to the tooth or try to chew
• Discoloration of your tooth
• New or prolonged dental sensitivity to hot or cold
• A pimple on your gum, directly above or below the affected tooth
• Tenderness and swelling in nearby gum tissue

Why Undergo a Root Canal?

Once bacteria reach the pulp within a tooth’s inner canal, the affected tissue must be removed. Left untreated, the condition can cause an abscess, permanent bone loss, or a hole in the tooth that affects your entire jaw and mouth. Furthermore, infection in a tooth can travel throughout the body and cause other health issues. Root canal therapy is a good example of conservative dentistry, because it allows the patient to retain his or her natural tooth. In most cases, Dr. Reger can stop infection before it worsens and spreads.

The Procedure

For most patients, root canal therapy carries no greater risk than a filling. Dr. Reger can often perform a complete root canal in just one visit. After taking x-rays and administering anesthesia, he will make a very small access point in your tooth’s crown. Next, he will gently remove the infected pulp, then disinfect and clean the tooth. The doctor will replace the pulp with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material. He may also perform internal bleaching, which whitens your tooth from the inside out and should reverse any discoloration. Dr. Reger will attach a crown to restore your tooth’s appearance and function. After the procedure, you can resume most normal activities within a few hours.

Regardless of the damage your tooth sustained, Dr. Reger will use advanced technology to save as much of the tooth as possible. Undergoing a root canal can help you avoid the additional expense of dentures or implants, and continue to chew, speak, and enjoy life as you did before your tooth became infected.

Contact Our Office

Dr. Reger cares about maintaining your good oral health, because it can impact your overall health. If you think you may need root canal therapy, do not hesitate to contact us to schedule your appointment.