Few words fill a person with as much dread as “root canal”. Despite this common procedure’s underserved reputation, a root canal helps promote healthy smiles, safeguarding teeth against extraction due to an abscess or infection. Your Katy TX dentist, Dr. Colin Lathrop, can protect and preserve your smile with root canal therapy.
Root Canal Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What does a root canal involve?
Answer: When a tooth becomes infected, a root canal may be necessary. During this endodontic procedure, your Katy TX dentist will open the tooth and remove the infected tissue. The root canals will then be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. A restorative material will be added following disinfection.
Question: How do I know if I need a root canal?
Answer: Patients with infected or abscessed teeth report a number of similar symptoms, including: Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, toothaches, swelling around the tooth, foul tasting discharge, and sharp pain when biting down or chewing. If you experience one or more of these symptoms on a routine basis, see your Katy TX dentist right away.
Question: What happens if I don’t seek treatment for a dental infection?
Answer: Without treatment, the infection may cause the inner pulp to die. The pulp keeps your tooth healthy, overseeing the flow of both blood and nutrients to and from the tooth. Without your pulp, the tooth itself can die. At this point, the tooth will require extraction to prevent the infection from spreading to surrounding teeth. A simple root canal can help you smile remain healthy and whole.
Question: Will my tooth look normal after a root canal?
Answer: Yes. After your root canal, Dr. Lathrop will return your tooth to full function and health. Following the procedure, the tooth will be restored with either a composite filling or a dental crown. The restorations will be custom-made to ensure the tooth looks and functions as it did before.
About Dr. Lathrop: Dr. Colin Lathrop is an experienced and widely respected dentist serving patients in the Katy TX area. Patients can schedule an appointment with Lathrop Dental Center by calling our office at 832-437-3849.
