Many patients fear that their upcoming root canal procedure will be agonizingly painful. In reality, root canal therapy at South Texas Smiles in San Antonio, TX, is designed to be gentle and healing, thus relieving you of pain.
Your Consultation
We evaluate your need for root canal treatment by asking questions about your symptoms, taking X-rays, and examining your teeth.
The Root Canal Procedure
First, we will make sure you are completely comfortable in the dental chair. We’ll numb the area around your infected tooth with local anesthesia to stop you from feeling any pain during the procedure. While you may notice a slight pressure, the numbing agents will make the procedure virtually painless. Our San Antonio office also has relaxing patient amenities like comfy pillows, soft blankets, and dental sedation to help you relax. Depending on the level of your dental anxiety, you may benefit from nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation.
Once you are comfortable and numb, it’s time for us to clean out the inside of your tooth. We’ll drill a small hole into your tooth, remove the infected pulp, and disinfect the inside of your tooth. This cleaning-out process ensures that there is no bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, or other debris left inside your tooth.
After we finish cleaning the inside of your tooth, we’ll fill the inside of your tooth with a special paste to prevent future infection and damage. We’ll also put in a filling to cover the access hole. Depending on the strength and integrity of the remaining tooth, we may need to top your tooth with a dental crown for maximum protection.
Do Not Delay Treatment!
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with our team as soon as possible:
- Tender, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Sudden tooth pain, especially when chewing or biting down
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Severe tooth pain that may radiate to your cheek, jaw &/or ear
- Pus in your mouth
If you are experiencing these red flags or have been told you need root canal therapy, please do not put off receiving treatment. An untreated infected tooth can result in tooth loss, intense sinus pain, oral pain, and serious systemic infection.
Contact us today to schedule your treatment to preserve your oral health and overall health!
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