root canals Paris TX | Paris Family Dental

Tooth pain can be debilitating. When a person has a toothache it can affect their everyday life. Constant severe tooth pain is not normal and needs to be addressed immediately. At Paris Family Dental we know how painful a toothache can be. Our goal is to get all our patients out of pain and improve their oral health. One of the most popular treatments to save a tooth and alleviate pain is root canal therapy. 

Every tooth has three layers that help keep the tooth strong and protected. Each layer has a different purpose. The outside layer is called the enamel. The enamel layer is very strong and protects the teeth from bacteria and decay. The second layer is called dentin. Dentin helps reinforce the enamel and also protect the pulp. 

The last layer or center of the tooth is called the pulp. The pulp is the softest part of the tooth and contains the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. Infection of the pulp can occur due to trauma or when decay eats away at the enamel and dentin and reaches the pulp of the tooth. Some symptoms of an infected tooth include:

• Visible trauma
• Swelling in the gums or jaw
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Severe pain

If any of these symptoms are present the tooth or teeth may require a root canal. At Paris Family Dental, Dr. Del Toro will explain the reason for the damage to the tooth and the best treatment option to restore the tooth.

Our Paris TX office is trained in the latest techniques to ensure the best results from the root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is the most popular treatment used to save teeth. Some tooth conditions that may require a root canal include:

• Infected pulp
• Abscess 
• Severe sensitivity to hot and cold 
• Deep tooth decay
• Chipped or broken tooth
• Trauma to the tooth
• Repeat treatment performed on a single tooth

When a tooth requires root canal therapy the pulp is removed and the canal or canals are cleaned and a filler called gutta percha is placed. (Gutta percha is a thermoplastic filling material that is used to fill the tooth. It is heated and placed into the canal of the tooth which will then be sealed.

With the advancement of dentistry, root canal therapy has become faster and more comfortable and can usually be completed in one appointment. At the first appointment, the patient will be made comfortable with the use of anesthesia. A dental dam is then placed to keep debris from entering the mouth and throat. 

Once the tooth is numb a small hole is made at the top of the tooth to access the nerve. Special instruments are used to remove the nerve and thoroughly clean the canal. Once clean and sterilized, gutta percha is placed to fill the canals. A temporary is placed to fill the access hole to keep the area debris free. An appointment will be made after the root canal therapy to have a crown prepared, to cover the tooth. 

At Paris Family Dental our top priority is to provide each of our patients with the highest standard of care. For all of your family, cosmetic, or restorative dental needs, we invite you to contact Paris Family Dental. Call us today to schedule your appointment at (903) 732-0061! Visit us at 2333 Lamar Ave, Paris, TX 75460 to learn more about our team, our practice, and how we provide excellence in dentistry in our area.