Root Canal Treatment

Relieve pain, save your natural tooth, and return to your routine with confidence.
Patient Registration
Call 972-430-9771

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a common dental procedure designed to treat infection or damage within a tooth while preserving your natural tooth whenever possible. By treating the affected tooth rather than removing it, root canal therapy can often help you avoid the need for an extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge.

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels that help support the tooth during its development. When the pulp becomes damaged or infected, it can be caused by deep decay, trauma, cracks or chips, or repeated dental procedures.

Signs that you may need root canal treatment can include tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, tenderness, or an injury to the tooth. Some patients may have an infection without experiencing noticeable symptoms, which is why regular dental evaluations are important.

During a root canal, the damaged or infected pulp is carefully removed. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to help prevent further infection. Treatment is typically performed using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable and may be completed in one or more appointments, depending on the condition of the tooth and the treatment needed.

Root canal treatment has a high success rate, with approximately 90% of treated teeth healing successfully. Your endodontist will evaluate your tooth and discuss your prognosis and treatment options with you before beginning care. If a tooth cannot be predictably treated or has a poor prognosis, we will explain your options and help you determine the best course of treatment.

Signs you may need treatment

Persistent
tooth pain

Hot or cold
sensitivity

Swelling or
tenderness

Cracked or
injured tooth

What to expect

1

Diagnose

We examine your tooth and take digital images to confirm the issue.

2

Treat

We remove the infected pulp, clean and seal the canals, and relieve pain.

3

Restore

We place a filling or crown to protect your tooth and restore strength.

Common questions

Does a root canal hurt? How painful is it on a scale of 1 to 10?
With local anesthesia, most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure. Many patients are surprised to find that treatment feels similar to having a routine filling. Any soreness after is usually manageable and temporary.
How long a root canal takes depends on the tooth and complexity. Some treatments can be completed in one visit, while others may require more than one appointment depending on the treatment required.
For most patients, root canal recovery is straightforward. It is rare to experience complications. After treatment, avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your final restoration is placed, and continue good dental hygiene to prevent further decay. We are available at all times to respond if a problem occurs.
The cost can vary depending on the severity of damage and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.
Yes. When your therapy is completed, your restorative dentist will decide what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. You should contact their office for a follow-up within a few weeks.