Expert Root Canal Services for Infected Teeth
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from the inside of a tooth. Every tooth has a pulp at its center, containing nerves and blood vessels that help keep the tooth healthy. When that pulp becomes infected from decay or injury, it can cause significant pain and sensitivity.
A root canal removes the pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and restores its health and function. At Memorial Dental in Fate, TX, we focus on keeping you comfortable while saving your natural tooth. Root canals are one of the most commonly performed dental treatments and are highly effective at saving damaged teeth.
Book a Root Canal AppointmentWhy Would a Tooth Need a Root Canal?
Root canals are typically necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or exposed. The most common causes include:
- Deep tooth decay. A cavity that is left untreated can worsen over time and progress deep into the tooth until it reaches the pulp.
- A cracked or broken tooth. A crack or break can expose the sensitive inner pulp and allow bacteria to enter.
- Injury or trauma to the tooth. Damage to a tooth can harm the pulp even when the outside looks fine.
Treating the tooth promptly helps relieve pain and gives you the best chance of keeping your natural tooth.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Not everyone feels the same symptoms, but certain warning signs suggest the pulp may be infected. Contact us soon if you notice:
- Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or biting
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers after the temperature is gone
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- A tooth that has become darker in color
- A tooth that is cracked, chipped, or broken
Even if the pain comes and goes, the infection will not go away on its own, so it is best to have the tooth examined.
What to Expect During Your Root Canal Visit
Our goal is to make your root canal as comfortable and straightforward as possible. We explain each stage before we begin, so you know what is happening throughout. Here is how the procedure works.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Root Canal?
Our team performs a thorough examination to determine whether a root canal is the right treatment. In some cases, we use an X-ray to check for infection or exposure of the pulp. You may be a candidate if:
- A deep cavity has reached the pulp
- A tooth has cracked or broken, and the inner pulp is exposed
- You have persistent pain or sensitivity that is not improving
- An X-ray shows signs of infection at the root of the tooth
- The tooth is still strong enough to be saved and restored
If a root canal is needed, we recommend having the procedure done promptly to prevent further pain and sensitivity.
Get Relief from Toothache with Timely Root Canal Care
Tooth pain is your body asking for help, and waiting rarely makes it better. Our caring team at Memorial Dental in Fate, TX will examine your tooth, explain your options, and work to relieve your pain. Contact us today and take the very first step toward saving your natural tooth.
Schedule An AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
About Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned, filled, and sealed to restore its health and function.
Local anesthesia is used so you stay comfortable during treatment. The pain people associate with root canals usually comes from the infection itself, and treatment is meant to relieve it.
Common signs include severe tooth pain, lingering sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling near the tooth, and a cracked or broken tooth. An exam and X-ray are the best way to confirm whether you need one.
The most common causes are deep decay that reaches the pulp and a cracked or broken tooth that exposes the pulp. Injury to a tooth can also damage the pulp.
Appointment length depends on the tooth and the extent of the infection. Our team will let you know what to expect at your visit.
Once the tooth is sealed, you can go about your day after the numbness wears off. Mild tenderness for a few days is normal. We will explain how to care for the tooth and whether it needs further restoration.
It is best not to wait. An infected pulp does not heal by itself, and delaying treatment can allow the infection to spread and may lead to losing the tooth.
Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain your bite, chewing ability, and the stability of neighboring teeth. A root canal is highly effective at saving damaged teeth, so extraction is usually considered when a tooth cannot be restored.
