Root Canals Austin, TX
Root Canal Or Dental Implant
A root canal treatment is used to save a severely infected tooth from further decay or even prevent damage to surrounding teeth that may result from the spread of infection. During a root canal procedure, damaged nerve tissue and bacteria inside the cavity of a tooth is thoroughly removed, cleaned, and sealed to prevent further infection.
A few characteristics that may indicate a root canal treatment is in your future include inflamed or infected gums, toothache or pain when chewing, increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or darkening of a tooth.
Austin’s Top-Rated Root Canal Treatment Center
Elite Dentistry is located on 5901 Old Fredericksburg Rd. Ste D102, Austin. From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) head southwest on Presidential Blvd and slight right toward Hotel Dr. Then turn right onto Hotel Dr and turn right onto Spirit of Texas Dr. Next, turn left to merge onto TX-71 W and continue straight to stay on TX-71 W. After that use the left 2 lanes to turn slightly left to stay on TX-71 W and continue onto TX-71 W/US-290 W. At this point keep left to stay on US-290 W and take the exit toward Monterey Oaks Blvd/Industrial Oaks Blvd. Finally, merge onto W US Hwy 290 Service Rd. Turn left onto Old Fredericksburg Rd and Elite Dentistry will be on your right.
We are open Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
For additional questions, you can call us at (512) 892-9900 or you can find us on Yelp.
How Is An Infected Root Canal Treated?
First, an x-ray is taken to determine the root canal’s state and to check if the surrounding bone is infected. A local anesthesia is then used to numb the tooth and surrounding area. To keep the area around the tooth dry, a rubber dam is placed around the tooth, sealing out saliva and other liquids.
Next, an access hole is drilled into the infected tooth. Using special dental tools, your dentist then removes the decayed nerve tissues and other contaminants including bacteria and debris from the tooth. A series of root canal files are used to clean out the cavity. The sides of the root canal are also cleaned. Water or a cleaning solution may be used to clear away debris several times throughout the procedure.
Depending on the degree of infection, medication may be implanted into the tooth cavity to remove any lingering bacteria, pulp, or debris. If medication is needed, a temporary filling is used to seal out contaminants until a permanent seal can be placed at a second appointment the following week. If the cavity is sufficiently clean, a permanent seal can be placed on the same day as your procedure.
The permanent seal called gutta-percha, which is comprised of paste and rubber, is placed inside the root canal. A filling is also placed on the exterior access hole to keep out harmful bacteria, foods, and other contaminants.