Root Canal Therapy in Midlothian, TX
Has your dentist or endodontist told you that you need root canal treatment? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal, or endodontic treatment. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, and helps to grow the root of your tooth during development. In a fully developed tooth, the tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
Contrary to jokes about the matter, modern endodontic treatment is very similar to having a routine filling and usually can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. You can expect a comfortable experience during and after your appointment.
Saving the Natural Tooth
Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages: efficient chewing, normal biting force and sensation, natural appearance, and protection of other teeth from excessive wear or strain. Nothing looks, feels, or functions like your natural tooth. When a tooth is saved through root canal therapy, it can continue to serve you for many years with proper care and a final restoration placed by your general dentist.
What to Expect During Treatment
During your appointment at Transcend Endodontics, Dr. Tran will thoroughly numb the area to ensure your comfort before beginning treatment. The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed, the canals are cleaned and shaped, and the tooth is sealed with a filling material. Most treatments are completed in one or two visits. Dr. Tran will walk you through every step so you feel informed and at ease throughout the process.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Efficient Chewing
Saving your natural tooth allows you to chew comfortably and efficiently without the limitations that come with a missing tooth or prosthetic replacement.
Normal Biting Force and Sensation
A treated natural tooth maintains normal biting force and sensation, allowing you to eat and function the way you always have.
Natural Appearance
Your natural tooth is restored with a crown or filling that blends seamlessly with your smile, preserving the appearance you are used to.
Protects Adjacent Teeth
Keeping your natural tooth in place protects neighboring teeth from shifting and reduces excessive wear or strain on the surrounding dentition.
Eliminates Infection
Root canal therapy removes the source of infection from inside the tooth, stopping the spread of bacteria to surrounding bone and tissue.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Saving a natural tooth through root canal therapy is generally more cost-effective than extraction followed by an implant or bridge replacement.
Root Canal Therapy FAQ's
Is root canal therapy painful?
Modern root canal therapy is performed with local anesthesia and is typically no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. Dr. Tran uses advanced techniques to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the experience is.
How many appointments will my root canal take?
Most root canal treatments can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the complexity of your tooth’s anatomy and whether infection is present. Dr. Tran will give you a clear timeline at your initial evaluation.
What happens if I don't get a root canal?
A tooth that needs root canal therapy will not heal on its own. Without treatment, the infection can spread to surrounding bone and tissue, potentially leading to a dental abscess and eventually tooth loss. Treating the tooth preserves it and eliminates the source of pain.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
In most cases, a crown is recommended after root canal therapy to protect the treated tooth from fracture and restore full function. Your general dentist will evaluate the tooth and recommend the appropriate final restoration.
Does insurance cover root canal therapy?
Most dental insurance plans include coverage for root canal therapy, though the extent of benefits varies by plan. Our team will verify your coverage before treatment begins and explain any out-of-pocket costs.