Root Canal Treatment Conroe TX

What is a root canal?

Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.

Every tooth has a hollow space in its center called the pulp chamber or root canal space. In this space lives a tissue called the pulp which is a mixture of blood vessels, nerves and special cells that are responsible for forming the tooth itself. Infection of the pulp can be caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures, trauma or cracks in the tooth. When this pulp tissue gets infected you may experience symptoms such as hot and cold sensitivity, tenderness to biting or touching the tooth or a swelling in the gums around the tooth. If an infection is chronic, you may notice a pimple in the gum tissue near the tooth. If you have noticed that you can’t eat on one side of your mouth due to sensitivity or tenderness, you probably have an infection of the pulp tissue of one of your teeth.

If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical root canal therapy to eliminate the source of your infection. Root canal therapy involves the removal of this infected pulp tissue, the disinfection of the root canal space and the sealing of that space to prevent future infection. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 95% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.

Once you’ve healed, you will enjoy coffee, iced tea, ice cream and all your favorite foods!

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office after completion at our office for a follow-up restoration 2-3 weeks afterwards. Your restorative dentist will decide what type of restoration is necessary to best protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.

How much will root canal treatment cost?

The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.