A Root Canal Procedure May Be the Perfect Cure for Your Ailing Tooth

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People often get nervous when they are told that an ailing tooth needs to have a root canal procedure because they think a root canal is painful. However, root canals can be likened to receiving a dental filling, and you will be made comfortable during the procedure. Our goal is to relieve your tooth pain, not add to it!

Your tooth is an incredible thing, it has an outer layer of tooth enamel, a layer of dentin, and underneath that is the tooth pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This pulp is what can necessitate a root canal if it has become infected or inflamed.

So what you can expect during a root canal?

— Our dentist will take X-rays to see where the infection is in the tooth.

— During the root canal procedure, the tooth will receive local numbing agent to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

— Then, the infected pulp will be removed and the area thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

— Then, a rubbery material called gutta-percha will be placed to fill and seal the tooth.

— A temporary filling material will be placed over the gutta-percha until a permanent filling or crown is placed on the tooth.

Once your root canal is performed, the tooth will look and function normally again, except pain-free! Whenever possible, it is preferable to save a tooth rather than lose it or extract it.

So if you want to relieve your tooth pain and save your tooth, a root canal may be just what our dentist orders. If you would like to know more or to schedule a visit with Dr. Stephen Hooper, we invite you to call 318-742-2272 today. Our Hooper Family Dentistry team in Bossier City, Louisiana, looks forward to curing your ailing tooth and restoring your smile!