Root Canal Therapy in San Antonio, TX
A root canal is a type of endodontic therapy that can help alleviate tooth pain and save damaged teeth. At Hearthstone Dental Specialists, we understand that root canal treatment in San Antonio can be a source of anxiety for many patients, but we want you to know that our team is here to provide expert care and support you need to protect your tooth, feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. With years of experience and a commitment to using the latest techniques and technology, our endodontist, can help you restore your smile and achieve optimal health. Read on to learn more about this treatment and how Hearthstone Dental Specialists can help.
Say Goodbye to Tooth Pain
At Hearthstone Dental Specialists, we understand that undergoing endodontic treatment, such as a root canal, can be a source of anxiety for many patients. However, we want you to know that our team is here to provide the expert dental care and support you need to protect your natural teeth and achieve optimal oral health. With our commitment to restorative dentistry and the latest techniques and technology, can help you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Whether you’re experiencing tooth pain or have suffered trauma, we’re here to provide the compassionate care you need to restore your smile.
Understanding Root Canal Therapy: When and Why You Need It
A root canal is a common dental procedure performed to save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental extraction. It is typically needed when there’s a diseased pulp or if the tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to decay or trauma. Some common signs that you may need this treatment include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling or tenderness in the gums and blood vessels, or a darkening or discoloration of the tooth. During the procedure, will remove the damaged or infected pulp, clean and shape, and fill the space with a special material to help protect the tooth from further damage or infection.
Saving Your Smile: The Advantages of Root Canals
By removing the damaged pulp and filling the space with a special material, our endodontist can help relieve pain, prevent further infection or decay, and restore the tooth’s natural function and appearance. This therapy is also typically a much faster and more comfortable option than a tooth extraction, and it can help you avoid the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
Relax and Rejuvenate: What Happens During a Procedure
If our endodontist determines that you need root canal treatment, he will first numb the affected tooth and surrounding area to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. After using local anesthesia, he will then make a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp inside. Using special tools, he will carefully remove the damaged or infected pulp and shape it to prepare them for filling. Once the pulp is removed, and the canals have been cleaned and shaped, our endodontist will fill them with a special material and seal the opening in the tooth with a filling or crown. The entire procedure typically takes about an hour to complete and is completed in one visit. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during or after the therapy has been completed.
Road to Recovery: Tips for a Smooth and Quick Root Canal Recovery
After your procedure, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort with pain in the tooth and gums or sensitivity to temperature for a few days. Our endodontist will provide you with specific aftercare instructions, such as avoiding hard or chewy foods and practicing good oral hygiene habits, to help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. You may also be prescribed pain relievers or antibiotics if needed. In most cases, patients are able to resume their normal activities within a day or two after.
When a Root Canal Procedure Isn't Enough
While root canal therapy is a highly effective way to save damaged or infected teeth, our endodontist understands that there are times when the procedure may not fully address the underlying issue. In these cases, he goes above and beyond to ensure that his patients receive the additional treatment they need to achieve optimal oral health.
One common reason that treatment may not be successful is if the tooth has an unusual anatomy that makes it difficult to clean and fill. In these cases, our endodontist uses his advanced training in endodontics to perform the procedure with precision and accuracy, ensuring that every aspect of the tooth’s anatomy is addressed.
Other reasons that a root canal may not be successful include undetected cracks in the tooth, new infections that occur after the procedure, or failure to place a crown, dental implants, or bridges after the root canal is completed. In these cases, our endodontist works closely with his patients to determine the best course of action, whether that involves additional treatment or alternative options for tooth restoration.
Need a Root Canal in San Antonio: Contact our Dental Office
At Hearthstone Dental Specialists in San Antonio, TX, we understand that root canals can be a source of anxiety for many patients, but we want you to know that our team is here to provide the expert care and support you need to feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Whether you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or just need a routine checkup, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our advanced procedures and compassionate care.