Understanding Root Canals at Portal Dental Care in Houston

What is a Root Canal?

You’ve heard the term “root canal” often enough, but do you know what it really involves? Here at Portal Dental Care, we want you to be in the know. Root canals are essentially lifesavers for your teeth, especially when you have an infection or decay that has reached the inner parts of the tooth. Trust us; it sounds scarier than it is!

Why Do You Need a Root Canal?

When bacteria begin to invade your tooth, it can lead to an infection. This infection can reach the pulp—the innermost part of the tooth housing nerves and blood vessels. The result? Unbearable toothache! A root canal cleans out this infected pulp, relieving you from pain and saving your tooth in the process.

What Causes Infections in the First Place?

Many factors can lead to a tooth infection. You might have tooth decay, multiple dental procedures, fillings, or even a chipped tooth. A trauma to the face can also result in an infected or damaged tooth.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Firstly, we’ll take a detailed x-ray to assess the state of your tooth and the surrounding bone. This helps us plan the procedure more effectively. Local anesthesia will be applied to numb the area, helping you stay relaxed throughout the process.

After ensuring the area is dry, we’ll drill a tiny hole into your tooth to remove the infected pulp along with any bacteria and decayed tissues. Once cleaned, we seal the tooth to prevent future infections. Sometimes, we may need to apply medication and wait a bit before sealing it.

Finally, we place a crown on the tooth, restoring its strength and functionality.

Don’t Worry; We’ve Got You Covered!

The cost of a root canal can vary, but most dental insurance plans do cover part or all of the procedure. We recommend checking with your dental insurance to know exactly what is covered.

Ready to Save Your Tooth?

At Portal Dental Care, located at 12035 Bammel N. Houston Rd., Houston, TX, 77066, we’re here to make the experience as smooth as possible for you. Don’t let the fear of a root canal keep you from enjoying a pain-free life. Call us today at (832) 286-1014 to schedule a consultation.

Remember, the sooner you act, the better the chances are of saving your tooth!

Find out more about our endodontic services.