Root Canal Therapy in Irving, TX
Root canal therapy removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth so you can keep your natural tooth instead of losing it. At DFW Dental & Orthodontics in Irving, we numb the area with local anesthetic, and many patients find the treatment no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
Root Canal Therapy
Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatments are not painful! Thanks to modern dental technology and procedures, most patients undergoing a root canal treatment with us find the entire experience no more painful than having a filling placed! And the benefits of getting a root canal when one is needed far outweigh the slight discomfort. Root canal, or endodontic, therapy can save your natural tooth, which is always the ideal case. Endodontic therapy also has a very high success rate, and with good care, many treated teeth can last a lifetime.
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When is Root Canal Therapy Needed?
Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, becomes infected or damaged. When the pulp is damaged, it begins to break down, and bacteria multiply within the pulp chamber, eventually causing an infection or abscessed tooth. There are many possible causes of the damaged tooth pulp, including an untreated crack or chip in the tooth, deep decay, repeated dental procedures, large fillings, or trauma to the mouth or face.
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Signs You May Need a Root Canal
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Although your dentist will determine whether or not endodontic treatment is necessary to save your tooth via examination and X-rays, there are some common signs and symptoms to indicate when root canal therapy could be needed:
-Tooth pain upon chewing or application of pressure
-Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
-Discoloration of the tooth
-Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, lymph nodes
-Persistent or recurring pimples on the gums
However, it is important to know that sometimes there are no symptoms, yet a tooth can still be infected or damaged. An infected tooth must be treated as soon as possible since infection in a single tooth can spread to other teeth, the surrounding gums, and even into the bone, face, neck, or head, causing further serious health complications.
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The Procedure
Dr. Kwon & Dr. Davis will first examine the patient’s X-rays to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding area. Then, he will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area to ensure that the patient feels relaxed and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Using specialized instruments, Dr. Kwon & Dr. Davis make an opening in the crown of the tooth and carefully clean and disinfect the dental pulp from the pulp chambers and root canals, and shape the space for filling. After the space is thoroughly cleaned and shaped, a biocompatible filler material (usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha) is placed inside the tooth to seal and protect it. Often, a dental restoration such as a crown will also be placed in order to strengthen and fully restore the tooth’s function.
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DFW Dental & Orthodontics
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does a root canal hurt?
Many patients find a root canal no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. We numb the area with local anesthetic before we begin, and the treatment relieves the pain caused by the infection.
Q. What are the signs I might need a root canal?
Common signs are pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, a darkened tooth, swollen or tender gums, and a recurring pimple on the gums. Some infected teeth cause no symptoms, which is why regular checkups matter.
Q. What happens during a root canal?
Your dentist reviews your X-rays, numbs the tooth, makes a small opening, removes the infected pulp, then cleans, disinfects, and shapes the canals. The canals are sealed with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
Q. Will I need a crown after my root canal?
Often, yes. A crown or other restoration protects and strengthens the tooth after treatment so it can keep working for years.
Q. What happens if I put off a root canal?
The infection can spread to nearby teeth, gums and bone, and in serious cases to the face, neck or head. Call (972) 251-1701 if you have symptoms so we can check the tooth promptly.