Dentistry of Highland Village

Root Canal Treatment in Houston, TX

Root Canal Treatment: Preserving Your Natural Smile

When it comes to dental health, there are times when we may need specialized treatments to restore the well-being of our teeth and gums. Root canal treatment is one such procedure that aims to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. At Dentistry of Highland Village, our Houston dentists offer painless root canal treatment services, so you can enjoy a healthy smile again.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, root canal therapy, and endodontic treatment, is a restorative dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely decayed, infected, or injured. It involves removing the infected nerves and tissue or dental pulp from the tooth’s interior, or the root canals, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and sealing it to prevent further infection. Root canal treatment aims to alleviate pain, prevent tooth loss, and restore the natural functionality of your teeth.

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of infection is crucial for seeking timely treatment. Here are some common indications that you may need a root canal:

  • Persistent Toothache: Severe and persistent toothache, especially when biting or applying pressure, can indicate an infected tooth.
  • Sensitivity to Temperature: Increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, even after the stimulus is removed, may suggest an infected root canal.
  • Swelling and Tenderness: Swelling and tenderness in the gums around the affected tooth can indicate the presence of an infection.
  • Gum Abscess: A pimple-like swelling on the gums, accompanied by discharge of pus or blood, may signify an infected root canal.
  • Tooth Discoloration: Discoloration of the tooth, typically a darkening or graying, can be an indication of infected pulp.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your Houston dentist promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate pain, prevent the spread of infection, and increase the chances of saving your natural tooth.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Despite negative and untrue stereotypes, endodontic treatment is a crucial procedure that offers several benefits, including:

  • Saving Your Tooth: By removing the infected pulp and preserving the natural tooth structure, root canal treatment can save your tooth from extraction.
  • Pain Relief: Infected or damaged teeth can cause severe pain and discomfort. Root canals eliminate the source of the pain, providing relief and restoring your ability to chew and speak comfortably.
  • Preventing Infection Spread: An infected tooth can lead to the spread of infection to neighboring teeth and gums. Root canal therapy eliminates the infection, preventing further oral health issues.
  • Restoring Oral Health: By preserving your natural tooth, root canal treatment helps maintain the integrity of your bite and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting.

The Root Canal Treatment Process

Initial Consultation

Before being approved for root canal treatment, you’ll attend an initial consultation at our Houston, TX dental office. During your initial consultation at Dentistry of Highland Village, one of our experienced Houston dentists will carefully assess your dental health and determine if a root canal is necessary. 

Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, using X-rays or other imaging techniques to evaluate the condition of the affected tooth. They’ll also discuss your medical history, including any medications you are currently taking, allergies, and previous dental treatments. 

Based on the examination findings, our Houston dentist will provide a diagnosis and recommend a root canal if necessary. They’ll explain the procedure, address any concerns you may have, and discuss the expected outcomes.

Preparation

Before the root canal therapy begins, your Houston dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures that you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Next, a dental dam, a small rubber sheet, will be placed around the tooth to isolate it and keep it clean and dry during the treatment. The dental dam also prevents the entry of saliva and other contaminants into the treatment area.

Root Canal Treatment

Your Houston dentist will create a small opening on the surface of the affected tooth to gain access to the pulp chamber and root canals. Using specialized instruments, they’ll carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. The tooth’s nerves and blood vessels are also removed during this process.

Then, the pulp chamber and root canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped to ensure the removal of any remaining debris, bacteria, or infected tissue. In some cases, our dentist may apply an antimicrobial solution to the cleaned root canals to eliminate any remaining bacteria and prevent further infection.

Once the root canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals the canals, preventing recontamination and providing stability to the tooth’s structure. After the root canal treatment, a temporary dental filling may be placed to protect the tooth until a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, can be placed. This restoration will restore the tooth’s strength and functionality.

Root Canal Treatment Aftercare: Caring for Your Treated Tooth

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the success and longevity of your root canal treatment. Our Houston dentist will provide specific instructions, which may include:

  • Pain Management: You may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medication.
  • Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash. This helps prevent future dental issues and keeps the treated tooth and surrounding teeth clean.
  • Avoid Chewing on Hard Foods: To prevent damage to the treated tooth, avoid biting or chewing on hard foods until the permanent restoration is placed.
  • Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with our dentist to monitor the healing process and ensure the long-term success of the root canal treatment. Our dentist in Houston may take X-rays periodically to evaluate the tooth’s condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience. After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

The duration of a root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case. On average, the procedure can be completed in one to two visits, with each visit lasting around 60 to 90 minutes.

It is common to experience some sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days. This sensitivity gradually diminishes as the tooth heals.

In most cases, root canal treatment is the best option to save an infected or damaged tooth. However, extraction is an alternative, but it may require further restorative treatments like dental implants or bridges.

Call Dentistry of Highland Village For Root Canal Treatment!

Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatment is a painless procedure that can help preserve your natural tooth for years to come. Our Houston dentists and dental team will ensure your comfort and the successful restoration of your dental health. If you think you need root canal treatment, contact Dentistry of Highland Village at our Houston, TX office by calling (713) 360-7700 and scheduling a consultation. Our exceptional dental team is here to help patients from Houston and surrounding areas such as Pasadena, Sugar Land, and Pearland, TX regain a healthy, pain-free smile.

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Monday7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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