How Cone Beam Tomography Helps Ensure a Great Root Canal Outcome

Each year in the United States, dental professionals perform over 41,000 root canals to preserve endangered teeth. While the procedure is common and usually successful, not every root canal is created equal. Even the diagnostic tools involved with root canals and determining your ideal treatment vary in effectiveness.

Our expert team at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, uses cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as part of our gentle and precise approach to root canal therapy so you can get maximum benefits with little strain.

If root canal therapy is in your future, read on to learn how CBCT can enhance the outcome.

Why you may need a root canal 

Root canals treat infections of the pulpy area of a tooth. While the infections can be asymptomatic, especially at first, they’re notorious for causing toothaches. Your pain may range from mild to severe and flare up sporadically or stay constant. If you ignore the signs, your pain may diminish for a while, only to return at an excruciating level.

Other signs you may need a root canal include tooth sensitivity to cold or warm temperatures, foods, or beverages and increased tooth pain when you chew. The gum tissue surrounding the affected tooth may feel tender and appear swollen or darker than the surrounding gums. Your cheek or jaw area near the tooth may also feel warm to the touch.

Bacterial buildup from a deep cavity or a cracked or damaged tooth makes way for pulp infections and root canals. The same goes for a filling or crown that’s loose or fallen out. For these reasons, bypassing routine dental cleanings or poor dental hygiene habits raises your risk of needing a root canal.

How cone beam tomography works

Cone beam computed tomography produces 3D images of the treatment area. It does so with a machine that rotates around your head while shining a cone-shaped beam. 

Thanks to the thorough and detailed view, CBCT can greatly enhance our ability to diagnose and treat a damaged or infected tooth. It often catches signs of problems other less advanced tests miss, which can help prevent worsening issues.

Precise images via CBCT may be especially helpful if we feel your tooth is particularly vulnerable to further damage or if the pulp infection is very close to blood vessels or nerve channels. Catching signs you may need a root canal early in these cases can stave off likely complications by allowing for prompt treatment.

To learn more about cone beam tomography or get the root canal you need, call Swinney Dental today. You can also set an appointment using our convenient online booking feature.