How is root canal treatment done? A guide to saving your tooth in Fort Worth, TX

Treatment of root canals inside the tooth is arguably the most misunderstood procedure administered by dentists. Unlike the reputation that precedes it, root canal therapy provides instant pain relief (doesn’t produce pain!) and is the only way to save a badly damaged natural tooth. Dr. Vidya Suri is privileged to introduce you to the reality of this common treatment with this guide to root canal therapy at Sycamore Dental in Fort Worth, TX.

How is root canal treatment done?

Root canal therapy is not surgery; think of it as “deep cleaning” for the inside of your tooth. Pulp tissue inside of the affected tooth is accessed. The damaged tissue is removed, and the area is sterilized. The root canals that surround the pulp are shaped and filled. A crown is usually placed to restore the tooth.

How does the treatment feel?

You won’t feel anything except relief from the pain! The conditions that lead to the need for root canal therapy are often quite painful. Treatment resolves pain and other symptoms. In fact, as soon as the tooth is opened, painful pressure is relieved. We also administer numbing medications. So, you won’t feel any sensations during treatment. We’re happy to discuss sedative options, should you need them, as well as a course of antibiotics and pain medications.

How do I know I need root canal treatment?

There are some telltale signs that root canal therapy may be necessary to restore oral health; for instance, you may experience persistent pain and sensitivity. The pain may be quite severe, especially when biting down on foods or when consuming hot or cold drinks. However, we won’t know for sure if treatment is required until after examining the tooth.

What are the benefits of root canal therapy?

This procedure may be the only way to resolve inflammation or infection of the pulp tissue. Preserving the natural tooth is almost always preferable to extraction. There is no tooth that is better suited to withstand the pressure from functions such as chewing than a natural tooth. In turn, with root canal therapy as a means of preserving the tooth, efficient chewing, as well as normal biting forces and a natural appearance, are restored and sustained.

Why does the tooth need to be filled?

This step in the process protects the sterilized tooth. It helps to seal out bacteria and debris that may re-infect the treated tooth.

What are alternatives to root canal therapy?

After evaluating your trouble tooth, Dr. Suri may determine that you are a candidate for other procedures. These may include restorations such as fillings, inlays, onlays, and full-coverage crowns. Other endodontic procedures are also available to address challenging cases.

Schedule your appointment at Sycamore Dental. As a medically-necessary procedure, root canal therapy is often at least partially covered by insurance. We are happy to accept many different types of insurance, including Medicaid.