What to Expect With a Root Canal Treatment

July 6, 2021

At OliveTree Dentistry, we understand that an upcoming root canal appointment may be unnerving. However, learning more about the virtually painless procedure and understanding what to expect can help put your fears to rest. Here’s all you need to know about root canal therapy and the outstanding care our team will provide.

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure that involves repairing teeth with inflamed or infected tooth pulp resulting from deep decay, fractures, or trauma. Damaged tooth pulp, left untreated, can result in many complications, including pain, swelling, or an abscess, which can cause bone loss around the affected tooth’s roots. With our groundbreaking technology and gentle techniques, we’ll make sure your root canal appointment is comfortable and free of stress.

Is There an Alternative to a Root Canal Treatment?

A tooth with pulp damage cannot heal on its own. The only alternative to a root canal treatment is an extraction, which is always our last resort. Even though we offer many state-of-the-art restorations, such as dental implants, bridges, and dentures, nothing compares to maintaining healthy, natural teeth! 

How Do You Know You Need a Root Canal Treatment?

Symptoms of tooth pulp infection or inflammation requiring root canal therapy include tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, tooth discoloration, swollen or tender gums, and a pimple-like bump on the gums indicating an abscess. At times, you may require a root canal treatment but display no symptoms. That’s why it’s important to visit OliveTree Dentistry for your routine dental exams and cleanings twice a year to allow us to uncover and treat any potential problems. 

What Should You Expect During a Root Canal Treatment?

After determining that you require root canal therapy, we will numb the area using a local anesthetic and administer a dental sedation option, if needed, for your comfort. We will start by making a small opening on the crown of the affected tooth to access and remove the damaged pulp. Next is cleaning, sterilizing, and shaping the space, then filling the root canals and sealing them off to prevent reinfection. 

After root canal therapy, the treated tooth is prone to fracture and will require a dental crown to strengthen and protect it. That will involve shaping your tooth by removing some of its structure to make room for your restoration. Next, we will make an impression of the area that we will send to a dental laboratory for fabrication. A temporary crown will protect your prepared tooth while your restoration is being created. Your new dental crown will be color and texture matched to your natural teeth. 

During a follow-up appointment, we will evaluate the fit of your aesthetic dental crown and make any needed adjustments before cementing it in place. The result? A beautiful, healthy, and functional tooth that will leave you looking, feeling, and smiling your best!

Gentle Root Canal Treatment in Sunnyvale, TX

Contact OliveTree Dentistry in Sunnyvale, TX, to learn more about our gentle root canal treatments designed to restore healthy teeth and functional smiles. There’s no reason to live with pain. Call us at 469-248-3455 to schedule your appointment today!

Request Your Appointment Today

Please click the link to conveniently schedule your appointment with OliveTree Dentistry. A member of our team will contact you to confirm your selection. We look forward to caring for your smile!