Lubbock, Texas

Root Canal Therapy

Relieve your dental pain and regain your healthy smile.
Did you know that over 14 million root canal treatments are performed in the US every year? Despite being quite a common procedure, it often evokes thoughts of pain and anxiety. The good news is that advances in dental technology and improved anesthetics have made root canals virtually painless, comparable to having cavities filled. In fact, the procedure relieves pain rather than causing it, so our patients feel better leaving our office than when they walked in.

Why Would You Need a Root Canal Treatment?

Inside every tooth is a space known as the pulp chamber, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. If the tooth pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, tooth chips or cracks, dental trauma, or repeated dental procedures, it will require an endodontic procedure known as root canal therapy.

What Happens If you Don't Get a Needed Root Canal?

Tooth pulp damage cannot heal on its own. Left untreated, infected tooth pulp can cause various complications, including pain, facial swelling, an abscess, and bone loss around the affected tooth's root. Moreover, the infection can enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health concerns.

Root canal therapy is the only option to save a tooth with tooth pulp inflammation or infection and restore its health and function. Otherwise, you may need to have the tooth extracted and replaced with a dental bridge, partial denture, or implant restoration.

What Are Signs You May Need a Root Canal Treatment?

Symptoms of root canal problems include severe and persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, tooth discoloration, deep decay, swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, and pimple-like bumps on the gums. In some cases, tooth pulp damage may not produce symptoms, which is why it's essential to visit your dentist for your routine dental exams and cleanings. If we uncover any potential problems, we will address them immediately to safeguard your oral health.

What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?

Before your treatment, we will numb the area and ensure you are comfortable. With our modern dental anesthetics, the vast majority of people undergoing root canal treatments report minimal discomfort. If you are anxious about the procedure, we're happy to offer nitrous oxide sedation to help you relax during treatment.

We'll start the root canal procedure by making a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access and remove the pulp tissues and clean, disinfect, and shape your root canals. Next, we'll place a biocompatible, rubbery material called gutta-percha to fill the root canals and place a temporary filling to seal the space.

After a root canal, the treated tooth will need a dental crown to protect it and prevent any fracture or breakage. At Dentist of Lubbock, we offer ceramic crowns that closely match the color and texture of your natural teeth, delivering incredibly natural-looking and feeling results. With proper maintenance and care, a root canal-treated tooth has the potential to last a lifetime.