Root Canal Therapy

Serving Dallas, TX and the Surrounding Areas

Our Dental Services

Do you have severe, persistent tooth pain? If so, chances are you have an infected tooth requiring root canal therapy. Despite what you may have heard, the procedure is relatively comfortable, comparable to having a cavity filled. Our team at Illinois Family Dentistry uses modern technology, techniques, and anesthetics to provide you with the exceptional care you deserve.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Inside every tooth is an area called the pulp, which houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Tooth decay or damage can provide an entryway for bacteria, potentially leading to tooth pulp infection. Antibiotics can help provide temporary symptom relief, but they cannot remove the source of the infection.

Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment designed to treat infected tooth pulp, relieving your discomfort and saving the damaged tooth. Left untreated, the inflammation and infection can progress and lead to complications, including severe pain, an abscess, facial swelling, and bone loss around the tooth’s root. The infection can also enter the bloodstream, putting your health at risk. The only alternative to a root canal treatment is having the affected tooth extracted, which is always considered a last resort.

What Are Signs of Root Canal Problems?

Signs of root canal problems include the following:

Persistent tooth pain
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Pain when you eat or place pressure on the tooth
Swollen, tender gums
A pimple on the gums, indicating an abscess
Tooth discoloration

If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact Illinois Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Treating the affected tooth as soon as possible will lower the risk of complications.

What Is the Root Canal Procedure?

Most root canal treatments require two appointments to complete. We will start by numbing the area with local anesthesia for your comfort. We are happy to administer nitrous oxide sedation, if needed, to help you relax during the procedure.

After isolating the tooth, we will make a small opening in its crown, leading to the root canals. We will carefully remove the infected pulp tissue and clean and shape the area. Next, we fill your root canals with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. The last step is sealing the space with a temporary filling.

After your root canal, the tooth may become dry or brittle, leaving it prone to fracture. That is why we typically recommend placing a dental crown for protection. With proper care, your treated tooth can last a lifetime!