3575 Story Rd. W., Suite 100,Irving, TX 75038
Currently Accepting New Patients
Early Hours & Same-Day Emergency Care
Expert Care for Root Canal
A root canal is a trusted and effective dental procedure designed to address issues caused by infected, damaged, or exposed tooth pulp. This treatment becomes necessary when decay or injury reaches the inner layers of a tooth, leading to pain, sensitivity, or swelling. While the idea of a root canal may feel intimidating to some, modern advancements in dentistry ensure that the process is smooth, virtually painless, and highly successful.
During the procedure, the affected pulp is carefully removed, the inner area is cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed to prevent future infections. By preserving the natural structure of your tooth, a root canal not only eliminates discomfort but also safeguards your overall oral health. An Irving dentist can provide expert care to ensure the procedure is performed with precision and comfort. In Irving, TX, patients can rely on skilled dental professionals to restore their smiles with confidence. Whether you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, seeking timely treatment can help you regain comfort and maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.
Root Canal FAQs
Dentists recommend root canals when the pulp in a tooth is injured or infected beyond self-repair. The process is an intervention that increases the odds you’ll be able to keep your natural tooth.
If you forgo a root canal, there’s a very good chance the tooth in question will require extraction. Signs that indicate you might need a root canal include:
Ongoing moderate to severe tooth pain
Sensitivity to heat, cold, or touch
Tooth pain that keeps you awake at night
Pain that occurs when you bite
Cavities
Discoloration
Swelling of the gum tissue around the affected tooth
A recommendation for a root canal is possible if you have any of the above symptoms. The best way to determine if a root canal is needed is to schedule an examination.
Most general dentists offer root canal surgery. In some cases, we’ll refer you to an endodontist. Endodontists specialize in complicated cases.
Regardless of your situation, we’ll make sure you get the dental care you need.
Root canals are a one-visit process that takes about two hours if only one tooth is affected. In some cases, you’ll need to make a return visit if your dentist suggests a crown to protect the affected tooth.
The steps of a root canal include:
Application of a local anesthetic to number the tooth and the area around it
Shielding the tooth to keep it clean and isolated while we work
Opening the crown of the tooth so your dentist can reach the chamber where the pulp is located
Removal of the pulp, cleaning, and shaping of the canal
Disinfection and deep cleaning of the area with fluid
Filling the canal with gutta-percha, which is a rubbery material
Capping of the tooth to prevent fracturing
These are the basic root canal steps, but every case is different depending on complexity.
The cost of a root canal varies from person to person. We provide you with an estimate of the cost before work begins.
Factors affecting the cost of a root canal include:
Damage to the tooth
Preparation
Number of roots in the tooth in question (front teeth have fewer roots than molars)
Who is providing treatment (general dentist or endodontist)
Dental insurance usually offers at least partial coverage of root canals. We’ll discuss your insurance coverage and your payment obligations before scheduling your service.
Basic root canal surgery usually works for molars and other teeth. Some patients require one of two more complicated endodontic treatments, such as:
Apicoectomy: dentist removes the tip of the root from the tooth, usually due to the failure of a previous treatment
Pediatric pulpotomy: dentist cleans out the infected pulp but leaves the nerves intact
Do Root Canals Hurt?
It’s a common misconception that root canals are extremely painful. This isn’t true. Most patients are in far more pain before their treatment than they are during or after.
No matter whether you need a basic root canal or a more complicated endodontic treatment, we’ll use anesthetic to number the area and ensure the maximum level of comfort.
Basic root canal surgery usually works for molars and other teeth. Some patients require one of two more complicated endodontic treatments, such as:
Apicoectomy: dentist removes the tip of the root from the tooth, usually due to the failure of a previous treatment
Pediatric pulpotomy: dentist cleans out the infected pulp but leaves the nerves intact
Do Root Canals Hurt?
It’s a common misconception that root canals are extremely painful. This isn’t true. Most patients are in far more pain before their treatment than they are during or after.
No matter whether you need a basic root canal or a more complicated endodontic treatment, we’ll use anesthetic to number the area and ensure the maximum level of comfort.
If you think you need a root canal or you have questions about a dental concern, give us a call.