Root Canal

Nunn Family Dentistry

Clay H. Nunn, DDS

General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentist located in Tomball, TX

If you’re struggling with constant tooth pain, you may have an infection or severe damage in your tooth pulp. At Nunn Family Dentistry in Tomball, Texas, Clay Nunn, DDS, performs root canals to remove infected tooth pulp, restoring your tooth function while relieving pain. To find out if you could benefit from a root canal, call or schedule an appointment online today.

281-656-6854

Root Canal Q & A

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a restorative treatment that removes tooth pulp to prevent further decay or infection.

Your teeth have a soft center called pulp that contains nerves and blood vessels. While vital for tooth development, pulp no longer serves an essential function once your tooth fully matures.

If an infection or tooth decay reaches the pulp, it can spread to your tooth-supporting structures and your surrounding teeth. A root canal involves removing the pulp entirely to save your damaged tooth.

Who needs a root canal?

Damage or decay that spreads to your tooth pulp may diminish your tooth’s ability to function properly.

Another common reason for a root canal is a tooth infection. Without treatment, a tooth infection can be extremely painful, so it’s important to watch out for these warning signs:

Toothache
Tooth sensitivity
Pain when chewing
Fever
Jaw or ear pain
Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw and neck
Facial swelling

As a tooth infection progresses, it can lead to an abscess. This pus-filled sac typically forms at the tooth root, causing extreme pain and discomfort. If a tooth abscess ruptures, filling your mouth with a foul-tasting liquid, call Nunn Family Dentistry right away to preserve your tooth.

What happens during a root canal?

Prior to your root canal, Nunn Family Dentistry takes X-rays and performs a dental exam to determine the extent of the damage. On the day of your procedure, they administer local anesthesia to ensure you feel comfortable throughout.

Your dentist creates a small access hole in the center of your affected tooth to reach the pulp. They use special dental instruments to remove the entire pulp, as well as any surrounding debris. Your dentist cleans and sanitizes the entire tooth chamber to ensure the infection is gone.

Once your dentist cleans the tooth chamber, they fill it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This helps maintain the shape and strength of your treated tooth. Finally, they seal the access hole to prevent bacteria from reaching your tooth chamber again.

In some cases, Nunn Family Dentistry recommends protecting your treated tooth with a tooth-shaped cap called a dental crown.

To schedule your root canal at Nunn Family Dentistry, call or book online today.