Endodontic Treatment AKA Root Canals

 Endodontic treatment is the treatment done by our general dentist, Dr. Luong.  It is the treatment of the soft pulp tissue inside the tooth.  It is usually done to save a tooth that would be extracted.  A root canal is needed when the pulp, which is the inside layer of the tooth or the canals which hold the pulp becomes inflamed and/or infected.  Most patients will experience throbbing pain that keeps them awake at night.  They might also have sensitivity to hot , cold and pressure.  There can also be swelling. 

When a patient experiences the above symptoms, it is not uncommon for Dr. Luong to order a round of antibiotics to initially treat the infection.  The antibiotics not only treat the infection, but it helps with the inflammation and in turn expedites the numbing process to get the patient comfortable for their treatment.

When you arrive at our dental office in Temple, Texas, you are checked in and asked to take a seat and make yourself comfortable.  Our certified dental assistant will then call your name.  Your temperature will be taken and the “Covid” questions will be asked.  You will be then taken to the appropriate operatory and seated.  At this time your identity will be confirmed and you will be provided with consent forms that will explain your treatment, any contra-indications and  will require your signature and initials.  If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to express them at this time. 

Your comfort is our concern with any procedure and we try to make you as comfortable as possible.  We offer sunglasses for the bright overhead light, we have earphones and listening devices should you wish to listen to our meditative program and a stress ball which helps our patients to focus on during their procedure.

The next step is to prepare you for the numbing part of this procedure.  Numbing gel is placed around the tooth that needs the endodontic treatment.  Dr. Luong will then administer  lidocaine after the numbing gel has taken effect.  Once the patient is comfortable. Dr. Luong will open the tooth into the canals utilizing his handpiece.  Next he will measure the canals.   He then irrigates and cleans the canals, taking X-rays for measurement  and lastly fills the canals with material to prevent calcification from occurring.  Dr. Luong will then either do a filling or a build up to fill the opening of the tooth or prepare the tooth for a permanent restoration called a crown.

Please like and follow our blog.  We will be discussing all things dental in our various blogs.  Our wish is to educate and in turn make our patients more comfortable when coming to Care Dental Spa.  Our goal is to make you and your family patients for life. For more information please visit - https://www.caredentalspa.com/common-procedures.php

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