A root canal is a dental procedure that removes the infected or damaged pulp inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it so the tooth can stay in your mouth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When it becomes inflamed or infected, the result is often a toothache that does not go away.
At Grand Parkway Smiles in Katy, TX, we perform root canal therapy to relieve pain and save natural teeth whenever possible. Keeping your own tooth is usually better for chewing, for your bite, and for the neighboring teeth than extracting it and replacing it later.
Why would I need a root canal?
Bacteria can reach the pulp when a tooth has:
- A deep cavity that has spread past the enamel and dentin
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- A large or leaking filling or crown
- An injury or trauma, even if the tooth looks intact
- Repeated dental work on the same tooth
Once the pulp is infected, it cannot heal on its own. Removing it and sealing the tooth is what stops the infection from spreading to the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
Signs you may need a root canal
Only an exam and an X-ray can confirm it, but these are common warning signs:
- Severe tooth pain when biting or chewing
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold after the temperature is gone
- A pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth
- Swelling in the gums, face, or neck
- A tooth that has darkened in color
- Tenderness in the gums around one tooth
If you have swelling, fever, or severe pain, do not wait. Read about emergency dental care in Katy or call our office right away. You can also read our guide to toothache causes and relief.
What happens during a root canal?
Most root canals are completed in one or two visits. Here are the steps:
- Exam and X-ray. We examine the tooth, take an X-ray, and confirm that a root canal is the right treatment.
- Numbing. The tooth and the area around it are numbed so you stay comfortable. If dental anxiety is a concern, ask about sedation dentistry.
- Accessing the pulp. A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
- Cleaning and shaping. The infected or damaged pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped.
- Filling and sealing. The canals are filled with a biocompatible material and the opening is sealed. A temporary filling may be placed.
- Final restoration. Most back teeth need a dental crown after a root canal to protect the tooth from fracturing. Front teeth may only need a filling.
Our team explains each step before we begin. Learn more about our root canal treatment in Katy.
Does a root canal hurt?
The infection is what causes the pain, not the procedure. With modern anesthesia, most patients describe a root canal as feeling similar to getting a filling. You may feel pressure, but you should not feel sharp pain. If you ever feel discomfort during treatment, tell us and we will adjust.
What is the aftercare for a root canal?
It is normal to have mild soreness for a few days, and the sensitivity should fade as the area heals. To help your recovery:
- Wait until the numbness wears off before eating or drinking hot beverages, so you do not bite your cheek, lip, or tongue.
- Avoid chewing hard foods on that side until the permanent crown or filling is placed.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen as directed, or any medication we prescribe, including antibiotics if the infection had spread.
- Brush and floss normally, and keep your follow-up appointment for the final restoration.
Call us if you have severe pain, swelling, an allergic reaction to medication, or a bite that feels uneven after the numbness is gone.
Root canal vs. extraction
Saving the natural tooth is usually the better option when the tooth is restorable. If a tooth is too damaged to save, we also offer tooth extractions and can replace the tooth with a single dental implant. If a tooth that already had a root canal becomes painful or infected again, see our page on root canal retreatment.
How much does a root canal cost in Katy?
The cost depends on the tooth and how complex the canals are. Front teeth are usually simpler than molars, and a crown is often an additional cost. We review your options and cost before treatment, and we offer dental financing and a dental savings plan for patients without insurance.
Schedule a root canal consultation in Katy, TX
If you have a toothache or think you may need a root canal, the sooner you are seen, the better the chance of saving the tooth. Call Grand Parkway Smiles at (832) 222-0016 or contact us online. Our office is at 2004 S. Mason Rd, Suite B3, Katy, TX 77450.
Learn more about root canals from the American Association of Endodontists.