Root Canal Therapy and Treatment
for Patients in the Abilene, Tuscola, Buffalo Gap, Potosi, Clyde, Breckenridge, Brownwood, and Sweetwater, TX Areas

When the soft, inner part of a tooth, the pulp, is injured, becomes inflamed, or is infected, a root canal may need to be performed. This dental procedure removes the soft center of the tooth to preserve the structure of the tooth. You may need a root canal if there is deep decay due to an untreated cavity, you've had multiple dental procedures on the same tooth, you have a crack or chip in the tooth, or there is an injury to the tooth.

The root canal procedure can be completed in the office with numbing medication near the affected tooth and a local anesthetic. A small opening in the top of the tooth is made and the infected or damaged pulp will be removed. The canals will be cleaned out and the area is treated with a topical antibiotic to make sure the infection is gone and to prevent further infection. The dentist will fill and seal the tooth with gutta-percha, a sealer paste and rubber-like material. A temporary filling will be applied and in some cases, you may need a crown.

Root canals are very important as they can:

• Prevent infection- If your tooth is infected, a root canal can save the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading to neighboring teeth. Not only can the infection spread to nearby teeth, but it can spread into your gums and other parts of your body. 
• Prevent lingering issues- Tooth pain that is left untreated can turn into further pain, damage, or discomfort.
• Save teeth- The best way to keep your tooth alive is with a root canal procedure.
• Prevent gum infections- Infections from your teeth can spread into your gums.
• Prevent uneven wear and tear- Pain on one side of your mouth can cause you to chew on the opposite side. This can cause uneven wear and tear on your teeth.

At the dental office of Robert R. Hawley, DDS, FACP, we perform root canal procedures that can help reduce the tooth pain you've been dealing with. The procedure is almost painless and can help prevent the loss of teeth. If you are in need of a root canal, rely on the office of Robert R. Hawley, DDS, FACP. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a root canal appointment! We proudly serve patients across Abilene, Tuscola, Buffalo Gap, Potosi, Clyde, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Sweetwater, TX, and the surrounding areas.