Root Canal Therapy in Houston, TX

A root canal is a procedure that repairs and saves a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. At A+ Dental Specialists, during a root canal, the damaged portion of the tooth is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected to prevent future infection. The canals are reshaped and filled with an inert material to seal them and prevent other bacteria from infecting the tooth.  

It is essential to attend regular dental checkups after your root canal to preserve the health of the rest of your smile. Our skilled team can give you more tips for caring for your teeth at home or help you schedule your next visit so we can check your progress and make sure you’re healing properly.  

Why Is a Root Canal Needed? 

A tooth needing a root canal is often one that has been severely damaged due to decay or trauma and cannot be repaired with a filling or other restoration. The pulp of the tooth becomes infected when bacteria penetrate the inner chambers of the tooth and spread down the roots to the bone surrounding the teeth. The infection causes pain and swelling in the gums and jawbone.  

Root canal therapy removes the diseased tissue inside the tooth to protect the tooth from further damage. Sometimes, the tooth may need to be removed if it cannot be saved with endodontic treatment. 

The Root Canal Procedure 

During a root canal, our dentist will access the pulp through a small hole made in the top of your tooth. Once they reach the tooth’s inner chamber, they remove the infected and inflamed pulp from the tooth, leaving only healthy pulp and roots in place. Then, the dentist will fill the canals of the tooth with a rubber-like material to protect it from future infection. Finally, they will cover the treated tooth with a crown or filling to restore its function and appearance.  

Our dentist will give you specific post-treatment instructions, such as avoiding eating hard foods on the treated tooth for a few days to prevent damage. Apart from this, it’s best to continue brushing and flossing your teeth as you regularly would keep your teeth healthy and strong. 

The Benefits of Root Canal Treatments 

A root canal treatment eliminates infection or disease from the tooth’s inner pulp, which is found within the pulp chamber and root canals. Although patients often associate root canals with pain, the treatment was developed to help eliminate discomfort caused by severe tooth decay and damage.  

Today, most patients who undergo root canal treatments experience little to no pain and are much more comfortable afterward. Plus, root canals allow patients to keep their natural teeth instead of having them extracted. Root canals are also more affordable for patients in the long run, mainly because they help prevent the need for future treatment.  

If you need a root canal or other restorative dental treatments, contact A+ Dental Specialists at 9968 Bellaire Blvd, Ste 170, Houston, TX 77036, or call (618) 789-2169 to schedule a consultation.