Root Canal Therapy

If you have a severely decayed or infected tooth, your dentist can possibly save it with root canal therapy. The Cinco Ranch Endodontics team in Katy, Texas, led by endodontic specialist Bryan Berteaux, DMD, has expertise in removing damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection. To avoid the need for tooth extraction and to reserve your natural tooth, call today to book an appointment. You can also use the online scheduling feature.

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that can treat a severely damaged, decayed, or infected tooth. To perform the procedure, your Cinco Ranch Endodontics endodontist removes the infected or inflamed pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.

Once they remove the pulp, they clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth and fill it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. 

The last step involves sealing and restoring the tooth with a crown or filling to ensure function and protection.

What symptoms might indicate I need root canal therapy?

You may need root canal therapy if you experience any of the following:

Severe tooth pain

Persistent or severe pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, can signal an infection or damage to the pulp.

Prolonged sensitivity

Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers long after you have a corrective procedure may suggest pulp damage.

Swollen or tender gums

Swelling, tenderness, or a recurring pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth may be signs of an infection.

Discoloration

A tooth that has darkened or become discolored may indicate nerve damage.

Cracked or chipped tooth

A crack or chip can expose the pulp, making the tooth vulnerable to infection.

How is root canal therapy performed?

Your endodontist typically performs root canal therapy in the following steps:

Anesthesia

Your provider numbs the area around the affected tooth with local anesthesia to ensure comfort.

Access opening

Your dentist drills a small opening in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.

Pulp removal

Your dentist carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth.

Cleaning and disinfection

Your provider cleans, shapes, and disinfects your empty canals, removing bacteria and debris.

Filling and sealing

Next, they fill the cleaned canals with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material, to seal them.

Restoration

Your dentist restores your tooth with a filling, or they may place a crown, allowing it to regain function and appearance.

If you have symptoms indicating you need root canal therapy, call the Cinco Ranch Endodontics office staff during business hours or book an appointment online at any time, day or night.