Root Canal Therapy
Exceptional Dental Treatment in San Antonio
Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are usually the last four of 32 teeth to erupt (surface) in the mouth, generally making their appearance between the ages of 17 to 25. They are located at the back of the mouth (top and bottom), near the entrance to the throat. The term “wisdom” stems from the idea that the molars surface at a time typically associated with increased maturity or “wisdom”.
Reasons for root canal therapy:
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp
- Infection or abscess have developed
Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:
- Severe toothache pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling and/or tenderness
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sometimes no symptoms are present
- Spontaneous pain that may wake you up at night
What does root canal therapy involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed Dr. Escarsega or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.
You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment
Testimonials
What Our Patients Are Saying
"Very friendly, very professional and extremely helpful. So glad I started coming to this place."
"WOW!! The people here are my heroes. Spectacular service, super transparent about everything and so kind. Came in for urgent care and can't thank then enough for all their great work."
"Staff was friendly and did a great job. The Dentist was kind and fit me in right away to get a filling re-done."
"My Dentist was amazing. She made me feel very comfortable even though I was nervous. She walked me through all the steps and kept checking on me during the entire process. I've already recommended her to family. Everyone there was amazing."
Great experience!!! Clean friendly environment with knowledgeable staff. It was the most thorough experience I've ever had. Will go back and would recommend.
"The staff and Dr. Ashby were so knowledgeable and compassionate. I had the best experience even though I was in pain. They put you at ease with providing you all options. Very friendly staff! I'm moving my family over to Highland Hills Dental Center and have referred two co-workers!"