Root Canal Services in San Antonio
What Is a Root Canal?
If you have severe tooth decay, and if the dental pulp inside your teeth (where your tooth’s nerves and blood vessels are located) becomes infected, our experienced San Antonio dentist may recommend you receive a root canal treatment. The dental pulp can become infected as a result of a serious cavity or if your tooth has been cracked, leading to pain, discomfort, and infection. If left untreated, the infection may worsen, leading to potential loss of the tooth and other, more serious conditions.
You should schedule an appointment with our dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Tooth pain or ache
- Tooth sensitivity to temperature
- Pain when eating, drinking or biting down
- Swelling in the gums, face, or neck
- Tenderness or pain in the gums
The Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure involves X-rays to discover how severe the tooth decay is, followed by cleaning and removing of the diseased pulp and other affected areas. After the decayed and infected material is removed, our expert dentist will clean the area and clear the infection, sometimes through applying medication or prescribing antibiotics. After the infection is cleared, our dentist will fill the root canal (much like a regular cavity is filled), and a crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it. We will also provide you with personalized guidance for your at-home care, and help you set up a routine exam schedule that will keep your smile bright.
Not Your Average Dentist
Root canal procedures are very common, but the anticipation of receiving one can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. While some root canals can be performed in one visit, some situations may require multiple visits. At Shaenfield Family Dental, it is our goal to make the root canal process as painless as possible. We take a modern approach to dentistry and are focused on making you feel comfortable throughout your visit. From our chic, upscale environment to our experienced and caring team, we are committed to bringing you the best dental care in San Antonio.
Home Care Instructions
Tenderness is normal after scaling and root planing. To reduce tenderness and promote healing, every two to three hours, rinse with warm salt water: 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 4 ounce glass of water.
Avoid brushing or flossing the treated area for 12 hours. However, after 12 hours it is very important that you continue to brush well. Please be careful brushing and use a toothbrush with soft bristles. You may moisten the brush with warm water if tissues are tender. Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be used as recommended for discomfort.
Highly nutritious food is necessary for the healing process. Avoid foods that require excessive chewing along with sticky, crunchy or coarse food.
Tooth sensitivity is normal and temporary. You may use a desensitizing toothpaste such as Sensodyne or any major brand for sensitivity relief. You may also gently massage the areas treated with your washed fingers. This will increase circulation and promote healing.
Lastly, please contact our office should you experience prolonged bleeding or any other problems during the healing process at (210)672-3737.
Don’t wait for it to get worse. Call our experienced root canal dentist in San Antonio at (210) 899-5716 today.
