Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry
Root Canal Therapy - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

Root Canal Therapy

Inside your tooth, beneath the hard enamel exterior, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp provides blood supply and nourishment to the tooth, which is very important during tooth development. The pulp is where the nerve of each tooth is located. A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing infected and inflamed pulpal tissue (nerve tissue) from within the tooth. The inside of the tooth is then carefully cleaned, disinfected, and sealed off.  A root canal is an effective and safe way to save a natural tooth, and seal it off from harmful bacteria. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp, because it can gain nourishment from the tissues surrounding the tooth.

Root Canal Causes - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

Root Canal Causes

There are a few reasons why a patient may need a root canal, or endodontic therapy. Commonly, it is because tooth decay in the form of a cavity grows and reaches all the way to the nerve of the tooth. Oftentimes, this is a painful process, and you may have discomfort while eating, drinking, or speaking. The pain can become quite significant when the bacteria from the cavity enters the pulp, sometimes keeping you awake at night. Another reason a tooth may need root canal therapy is due to trauma that damages the nerve of the tooth. In both cases, the nerve or pulp becomes infected and cannot heal on its own. It must be treated to prevent further pain and infection. Regular cleanings and checkups with x-rays can detect and prevent this process.
Infection Symptoms - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

Infection Symptoms

Symptoms that the nerve has become infected may include sensitivity to hot or cold, sensitivity when eating sweets, pain, swelling, pain from biting or pressure, or a bad taste in the mouth. If the infection has spread past the tooth, you may see a small pimple or swelling on the gum tissue. Sometimes, a patient will have no symptoms but the infection is identified with a radiograph (x-ray) taken on a routine check-up, which underscores the importance of regular dental visits.
The infection must be treated or the tooth must be removed. Root canal therapy for an infected nerve helps save the tooth. Often, a crown is a recommended procedure to protect the remaining tooth structure after root canal therapy is complete.
Modern Procedure Experience - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

Modern Procedure Experience

Modern root canal procedures can be done in one to two appointments, and the experience is similar to having a filling completed. You are numb during the procedure, to minimize pain. You will be back to smiling, eating, and speaking soon after the procedure!

Root Canal Treatment FAQs

Many people worry about pain during a root canal, but modern root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. When you need a root canal treatment, it’s usually because the inside of the tooth is infected or badly damaged. This infection can cause severe toothaches, swelling, and sensitivity. During a root canal, your San Antonio dentist will use numbing medicine so you stay comfortable. Most patients say the procedure feels similar to getting a filling. Afterward, you might feel mild soreness for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relievers usually help. With modern technology, root canal therapy is safe, effective, and one of the best ways to save your natural tooth instead of removing it.

After a root canal, following the right care steps can make healing faster and more comfortable. Your dentist will give you specific instructions, but there are a few general best practices. First, avoid chewing or biting on the treated tooth until your permanent crown or filling is placed. This protects the tooth from damage. Stick to soft foods for the first day or two after your root canal therapy to reduce pressure on the area. Keep up with daily brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the treated tooth. Most importantly, don’t skip your follow-up dentist appointments. Completing your root canal treatment with a crown or final restoration is essential to keep the tooth strong and protected.

The best way to stop a cavity from becoming a root canal is early prevention and treatment. Cavities start small, but if decay spreads deeper into the tooth, it can reach the pulp and require root canal therapy. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months are the first steps in preventing decay from getting worse. If your dentist finds a cavity early, a simple filling can often fix the problem before it leads to root canal treatment. Getting care right away can save you from needing a root canal and protect your natural tooth for years to come.

A tooth that has gone through root canal therapy can be just as strong as a natural tooth when it’s restored properly. Because a root canal can leave a tooth weaker, your San Antonio dentist will usually recommend a crown afterwards. The crown strengthens the tooth, restores chewing function, and protects it from future damage. With good care, like brushing, flossing, and regular dentist appointments, a tooth treated with a root canal can last as long as your natural teeth. Many patients even forget which tooth had the procedure because it feels and functions so normally!