Root canal treatment is used to remove infected or dead pulp tissue from a tooth and to clean and seal the inside to prevent further infection.

Patients who need a root canal may experience pain when chewing, lingering pain, sensitivity to cold, or constant aching or throbbing in a tooth. At times, patients may not experience any symptoms at all, which is why regular exams at our Plano dental office are so important.

ROOT CANALS AT PRISTINE SMILES

Patient comfort is our top priority at all times, especially during a root canal procedure. Once the patient is completely numb, Dr. Nguyen will make an access point on the top of the tooth to the chamber that holds to a pulp, or nerve tissue, of the tooth. He will use various instruments to remove that tissue and shape the canal to allow us to seal it. A material called gutta-percha is used to fill and seal that cleaned and shaped canal. We then either close the access with a tooth-colored filling or prepare the tooth for a crown, depending on the tooth.

Dr. Nguyenuses many of the same equipment and techniques that a specialist would use. That being said, if we feel that the anatomy of the tooth is too complex to allow us to maintain the standards of success that we want, we will refer to an endodontist to make sure the patient receives the best possible root canal and outcome.

To maintain the health of a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment, patients are encouraged to keep the tooth as clean as possible so that new cavities do not form on the tooth. Brushing and flossing, as well as professional cleanings every six months at our Plano dental office, are recommended to keep all teeth as healthy as possible.