Root Canals in Houston
Learn when a root canal may be needed, who may be a candidate, and what treatment involves. Get evaluated for root canal treatment at Kwin Dental in Houston.
A root canal is a dental treatment used to save a tooth when the soft tissue inside it becomes infected, inflamed, or badly damaged. During treatment, the damaged tissue is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, and the space is sealed. People with deep decay, cracks, injuries, or dental infections may need a root canal. An examination and dental X-rays are usually needed to determine whether root canal treatment is appropriate.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a natural tooth when the tissue inside the tooth becomes infected or badly inflamed.
Inside every tooth is a space containing the pulp, which is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue. The pulp extends from the center of the tooth into small channels inside its roots called root canals.
If bacteria reach the pulp because of deep decay, a crack, an injury, or another dental problem, the tissue may become inflamed or infected.
During root canal treatment, the dentist removes the damaged tissue, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals the space to help prevent bacteria from returning.
The goal is to keep the natural tooth instead of removing it whenever the tooth can still be restored successfully.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment usually involves several basic steps.
1. Examining the Tooth
The dentist examines the tooth and may take dental X-rays to look at the roots and surrounding bone.
Other tests may be used to determine how the tooth responds to temperature, pressure, or biting.
2. Numbing the Area
Local anesthetic is typically used to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
A protective sheet called a dental dam may be placed around the tooth to keep it clean and dry during treatment.
3. Removing the Damaged Pulp
A small opening is created in the tooth.
The infected or damaged pulp is removed from inside the tooth and its root canals.
4. Cleaning the Root Canals
The canals are carefully cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
This helps remove bacteria and prepares the tooth to be sealed.
5. Filling and Sealing the Tooth
The cleaned canals are filled with a special dental material and sealed.
Depending on the situation, the tooth may receive a temporary filling until the final restoration is placed.
6. Restoring the Tooth
Many teeth become weaker after extensive decay and root canal treatment.
A dental crown may be recommended to cover and strengthen the tooth, especially for back teeth that handle strong chewing forces.
The exact treatment plan depends on which tooth is being treated and how much natural tooth structure remains.
Why Would Someone Need a Root Canal?
A root canal may be recommended when the pulp inside a tooth has become permanently damaged or infected.
Common causes include:
- Deep tooth decay
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- A broken or leaking filling
- Repeated dental treatment on the same tooth
- Trauma or injury to a tooth
- Infection inside or around the tooth
- Severe wear that reaches the inner part of the tooth
Once the pulp is seriously damaged, it usually cannot heal on its own.
Without treatment, bacteria may continue to spread through the inside of the tooth and into the surrounding bone and tissues.
Depending on the condition of the tooth, the main alternatives may include root canal treatment or removing the tooth.
What Are the Signs That You May Need a Root Canal?
Symptoms can vary from person to person.
Possible signs include:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Strong sensitivity to hot or cold
- Sensitivity that continues after the hot or cold item is removed
- Swelling around a tooth
- Tender or swollen gums
- A small bump on the gums near the tooth
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
- A chipped or cracked tooth
However, not every tooth that needs a root canal causes noticeable pain.
Sometimes an infection is discovered during a routine dental examination or on an X-ray before significant symptoms develop.
The only way to determine the cause of tooth pain is through a dental evaluation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Root Canal Treatment?
Someone may be a candidate for a root canal when the inside of a tooth is infected or permanently damaged but the tooth itself can still be restored.
A dentist may consider factors such as:
- How much healthy tooth structure remains
- Whether the tooth has deep decay
- Whether the tooth is cracked
- The condition of the tooth’s roots
- The amount of bone supporting the tooth
- The health of the gums surrounding the tooth
- Whether the tooth can be restored with a filling or crown afterward
- The patient’s overall oral health
Root canal treatment may be especially useful when saving the natural tooth is possible and offers a predictable way to restore normal function.
Dental X-rays and an examination are typically needed before making this decision.
Who May Not Be a Good Candidate for a Root Canal?
A root canal cannot save every damaged tooth.
In some cases, a tooth may be too severely damaged to restore successfully.
Root canal treatment may not be recommended if:
- The tooth has a severe crack extending deep below the gumline
- Too little healthy tooth structure remains
- The tooth has severe bone loss around it
- Advanced gum disease has made the tooth very loose
- The root is badly fractured
- The tooth cannot be properly restored after treatment
- The tooth has a poor long-term outlook for another reason
This does not automatically mean the tooth must be removed. The dentist will examine the tooth, review X-rays, and discuss the available treatment options.
If a tooth cannot be saved, extraction and tooth-replacement options such as a dental implant, bridge, or removable denture may be discussed.
Does Getting a Root Canal Hurt?
The tooth and surrounding area are typically numbed with local anesthetic before treatment.
You may notice pressure or movement during the procedure, but the anesthetic is intended to reduce discomfort.
Some tenderness or sensitivity around the tooth can occur afterward as the surrounding tissues recover.
This usually improves with time.
If pain becomes severe, swelling develops, or symptoms become worse instead of better, contact your dentist for an evaluation.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Treatment time depends on the tooth and the complexity of its root system.
Some root canals can be completed in one appointment, while others may require more than one visit.
Teeth can have different numbers of roots and canals, so some are more complicated to treat than others.
Additional appointments may also be needed to place the final filling or crown.
Do I Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
Not every root canal-treated tooth requires the same type of restoration.
However, crowns are commonly recommended for back teeth because molars and premolars experience significant pressure when you chew.
A crown can help protect a weakened tooth from cracking or breaking.
Some front teeth may be restored with a filling instead, depending on how much healthy tooth remains.
Your dentist will recommend the restoration that is appropriate for your specific tooth.
Can a Root Canal Save an Infected Tooth?
In many cases, yes.
The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth so the natural tooth can remain in the mouth.
However, success depends on factors such as:
- The amount of remaining tooth structure
- The size and location of a crack
- The condition of the roots
- Gum and bone health
- How well the tooth is restored afterward
- Oral hygiene
- Whether new decay or infection develops
No dental treatment lasts forever, so continued dental care is important even after successful treatment.
What Happens If You Do Not Treat an Infected Tooth?
An infection inside a tooth generally does not resolve simply because the pain goes away.
In some cases, the nerve inside the tooth may die, causing pain to temporarily decrease even though bacteria remain.
An untreated dental infection can potentially lead to:
- Increasing pain
- Swelling
- An abscess
- Bone loss around the tooth
- Spread of infection into nearby tissues
- Loss of the tooth
Dental infections should be evaluated promptly, particularly when swelling or other signs of infection are present.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction
When possible, root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth.
Removing a tooth eliminates the damaged tooth but leaves an empty space.
Depending on the location of the missing tooth, replacement may later be recommended with options such as:
- A dental implant
- A dental bridge
- A removable partial denture
Neither option is right for every situation.
The condition of the tooth, surrounding bone, gums, overall oral health, cost, and long-term treatment goals should all be considered before choosing between saving and removing a tooth.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last?
A tooth that has received root canal treatment can continue functioning for many years.
How long it lasts depends on several factors, including:
- The condition of the tooth before treatment
- How much natural tooth remains
- Whether the tooth receives an appropriate final restoration
- Oral hygiene
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- New tooth decay
- Gum health
- Regular dental care
Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, and attending regular dental visits can help protect the treated tooth.
Can a Root Canal Get Infected Again?
Yes. Although root canal treatment is intended to remove infection and seal the tooth, reinfection can sometimes occur.
Possible causes include:
- New tooth decay
- A cracked tooth
- A loose or damaged filling
- A damaged crown
- Bacteria entering the tooth again
- Complex canals that were difficult to clean completely
Depending on the condition of the tooth, additional root canal treatment or another procedure may sometimes be possible.
What Should I Expect After a Root Canal?
Some soreness or sensitivity around the treated tooth can occur after treatment.
Avoid chewing heavily on the tooth until your dentist says it is ready for normal use, particularly if you are waiting for a permanent crown or restoration.
Follow any aftercare instructions provided by your dentist.
Contact the dental office if you experience:
- Severe or increasing pain
- Significant swelling
- A temporary filling or crown that comes out
- Difficulty biting normally
- Symptoms that return after improving
Can You Eat After a Root Canal?
Your dentist may recommend waiting until the numbness has worn off before eating.
Eating while your mouth is numb can make it easier to accidentally bite your cheek, tongue, or lip.
Until the tooth receives its permanent restoration, it may also be helpful to avoid chewing very hard or sticky foods on that side of your mouth.
Follow the specific instructions provided after your procedure.
Can You Drive After a Root Canal?
Most root canals performed using only local anesthetic do not prevent someone from driving afterward.
However, additional sedation or medication can change whether it is safe to drive.
If sedation is part of your treatment, ask the dental office ahead of time whether you will need someone to drive you home.
Is a Root Canal Better Than Pulling the Tooth?
There is no single answer for every patient.
If the tooth is restorable, root canal treatment may allow you to keep your natural tooth.
If the tooth is badly cracked, severely weakened, or has a poor long-term outlook, removing it may sometimes be more appropriate.
A dental examination and X-rays help determine which option makes the most sense.
When Should Tooth Pain Be Considered an Emergency?
Seek prompt dental care if tooth pain is accompanied by:
- Significant facial or jaw swelling
- Fever
- Rapidly worsening swelling
- Pus or drainage
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly spreading swelling, can require immediate medical attention.
Root Canal Evaluation at Kwin Dental in Houston
Tooth pain does not automatically mean you need a root canal.
Several dental problems can cause similar symptoms, including cavities, cracked teeth, gum problems, bite problems, or tooth sensitivity.
At Kwin Dental, the first step is examining the tooth and determining what is causing your symptoms. Dental X-rays and other tests may be used when appropriate.
If root canal treatment may help save the tooth, your treatment options can be explained so you understand what is happening and what comes next.
If you have persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or think you may have an infected tooth, call Kwin Dental at 281-564-8100 to schedule an evaluation.
If you have persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or think you may have an infected tooth, call Kwin Dental at 281-564-8100 to schedule an evaluation. Our team can examine the tooth, identify what may be causing your symptoms, and discuss whether root canal treatment or another option may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Root Canal the Same as Removing a Tooth?
No. A root canal is performed to keep the natural tooth. An extraction removes the entire tooth from the mouth.
Does a Root Canal Remove the Nerve?
Root canal treatment removes the damaged or infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth, including the nerve tissue located there.
The tooth can remain in your mouth and continue to function afterward.
Will My Tooth Feel Different After a Root Canal?
Because the pulp tissue has been removed, the tooth will no longer respond to temperature in the same way.
However, the tissues surrounding the tooth can still feel pressure when you bite and chew.
Can I Need a Root Canal Without Having Pain?
Yes. Some damaged or infected teeth cause little or no noticeable pain.
Problems may sometimes be discovered during an examination or on a dental X-ray.
Can Antibiotics Replace a Root Canal?
Antibiotics may sometimes be prescribed when a dental infection has spread into surrounding tissues, but they do not remove infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth.
The underlying dental problem generally still needs to be treated.
How Do I Know for Sure If I Need a Root Canal?
Symptoms alone cannot confirm whether a root canal is necessary.
A dentist usually needs to examine the tooth, perform appropriate tests, and review dental X-rays before making a diagnosis and recommending treatment.
