Root Canal Procedure & Root Canal Treatment: How is it Performed

A root canal is an endodontic treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The root canal procedure involves removing the damaged or dead tissue from inside the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessels. Once the interior of the tooth is clean, it is sealed with a filling or crown. Root canals are often necessary when a tooth is severely decayed or becomes infected. The infection can be caused by a deep cavity, a crack in the tooth, or trauma to the tooth. If the infection is left untreated, it can spread to the jaw and other parts of the body.

Root canal treatments and endodontic treatment are usually performed by root canal specialists, dentists, or endodontists. The procedure is usually done in one or two visits, depending on the severity of the infected tooth. The dentist will numb the area around the infected tooth and clean out the infected pulp tissue. Once the tooth is clean, a temporary filling is placed, followed by the permanent filling or crown.

Root canal treatment is usually successful in saving the affected tooth and preventing further infection. It’s usually your last resort to save a natural tooth. However, in some cases, the natural tooth may need to be removed to prevent the inflamed or infected pulp from causing further damage. If you need a root canal, you must contact highly-skilled and talented root canal specialists in your area. Please continue reading to learn more about endodontic treatment in Houston.

Table of Contents

Having tooth sensitivity issues?

Step-by-Step Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp or nerve of the tooth becomes damaged or infected. This can happen due to decay, injury, or cracking of the tooth. Root canals are a fairly routine procedure that can be completed by your dentist or endodontist, who is a specialist. The following is a step-by-step guide of what you can expect during root canals.

Before the Procedure

You will likely be given a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. You may also be given sedation if you experience anxiety or have a sensitive gag reflex.

The Procedure
  • An access hole will be made in the tooth so that the dentist can reach the pulp chamber.
  • The inflamed or infected pulp and nerve tissue will be removed from the tooth.
  • The root canal will be cleaned and shaped.
  • A temporary filling will be placed in the tooth.
  • You will be given instructions on how to care for the tooth before your permanent restoration is placed. This may include avoiding chewing on that side of the mouth and brushing and flossing carefully.
After the Procedure

You may experience some sensitivity in the treated tooth, which is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with this. You should avoid chewing on that side of the mouth until your permanent restoration is in place. This is typically a crown. It is important to follow up with your dentist or endodontist to make sure the root canal was successful.

Have a chipped tooth?

Indications for Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is usually recommended when the pulp tissues (the soft tissues inside the tooth) become inflamed or infected. This can happen as a result of deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or a blow to the tooth. The inflamed or infected pulp is removed from the tooth, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Root canal treatment is often successful in saving the tooth and relieving pain. However, in some cases, the tooth may not be able to be saved. In these cases, the tooth will need to be extracted (pulled). If you think you may need root canal treatment, contact your dentist to discuss your options.

group of women in pink scrubs posing for a picture.

How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal?

If you have pain in your tooth that is severe and lasts for more than a couple of days, you may need a root canal. Root canals are often necessary when the nerve of a tooth becomes infected. The infection can be a result of decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth.

In addition to pain, other symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include:

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the stimulus is removed
  • Tenderness when biting or chewing
  • A small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth
  • Darkening of the tooth
  • Bad taste in the mouth

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Root canal treatment is often very successful in saving teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. The procedure involves removing the infected nerve tissue, cleaning out the root canal, and then filling and sealing the tooth.

If you think you may need a root canal treatment, the best thing to do is to make an appointment with your dentist. He or she will be able to determine if a root canal treatment is the best option for you.

Is Root Canal Painful?

A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The procedure involves removing the diseased tissue from the tooth’s root canal, cleaning and shaping the inside of the canal, and filling and sealing the space.

Root canals are usually not painful, but you may experience some discomfort during the procedure. Your dentist or endodontist will numbed the area around the tooth before beginning the procedure. You may feel pressure during the procedure, but you should not feel any pain.

If your tooth was infected before the root canal, you may experience some discomfort after the procedure as your tooth heals. This is normal and should go away within a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.

Receptionist answering phone

Want a healthy smile?

Schedule Your Root Canal Treatment in Houston

URBN Dental Midtown

CALL: (346) 815-9997 

SMS: (855) 293-4330

3510 Main St. Ste E, Houston, TX 77002

URBN Dental Montrose

CALL: (281) 607-5348 

SMS: (833) 265-4258

3201 Allen Pkwy Ste #E200, Houston, TX 77019

URBN Dental CityCentre

CALL: (346) 712-9911 

SMS: (833) 419-9570

3201 Allen Pkwy Ste #E200, Houston, TX 77019

URBN Dental Katy

CALL: (281) 609-4930 

SMS: (833) 419-9577

94 W Grand Pkwy S Suite 240, Katy, TX 77494

URBN Dental Spring Branch

CALL: (832) 281-6106 

SMS: (833) 218-9727

8143 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055

URBN Dental East River

CALL: (832) 864-8726 

SMS: (833) 273-3420

2921 Riverby Rd, Suite 110, Houston, TX 77020

URBN Dental Tanglewood

CALL: (281) 407-2760 

SMS: (833) 793-7063

6363 San Felipe St #200b, Houston, TX 77057

URBN Dental West U

CALL: (346) 447-7399 

SMS:

5578 Weslayan Street, Houston, TX 77005

URBN Dental Meyerland

450 Meyerland Plaza, Houston, TX 77096