Just saying the words "root canal" can strike fear in the hearts of many. But, the good news is that root canal therapy has come a long way in the past 10-20 years. Oftentimes, because of advances in anesthesia, many patients don't even feel a thing. And the best part? You'll leave the endodontist's office feeling so, so much better than when you came in because your tooth pain will be alleviated.

Root canal therapy is our specialty at Granbury Endodontics, so let us give you the rundown on what root canal therapy is, how it helps with tooth pain, and how we can help you get back to smiling again soon!

What exactly is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy (RCT) is a common endodontic procedure where Dr. Nieves removes infected or inflamed pulp (the root canal tissues) from the tooth to relieve pain and discomfort. The big focus here is on the "therapy" part: our whole goal with root canal therapy is to make sure you leave our office without the pain you came in with. 

When it comes time to do the procedure, we will numb the area and clean out the infection. Then, we seal off the tooth to prevent bacteria getting back in and cause an infection later on. 

You may have been referred to our office to fix a previous root canal that did cause another infection. If for some rare reason that this has happened, Dr. Nieves has the expertise and training to make sure we clean your previous root canal, so that your pain becomes a thing of the past!

Why does root canal therapy help with tooth pain?

Root canal therapy helps by disinfecting the infected and inflamed tissues. Once that's taken care of, the tooth pain will go away. 

It's also important to note that if you have an infection in your tooth, the infection may increase and expand outside the confines of your mouth, leading to persistent pain, a visual swelling and possibly a fever. This is called an extra-oral space infection, and may lead to an emergency room visit. So, not only is root canal therapy going to help with your tooth pain, but it's also going to help you stay healthy overall!

Why would I need root canal therapy?

The most common reason for root canal therapy is because the nerve of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. There are a few different reasons why this could happen:

• You might have a deep cavity that has reached the pulp (the center of your tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are located).

• Your tooth may have been fractured, either from an injury or biting down on something hard.

• You might have had previous dental work done on the tooth that has become loose or cracked over time.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see an endodontist like Dr. Nieves as soon as possible. You can make an appointment with our office by filling out this form or contacting our office at (817) 776-4646.

How do I know if I need root canal therapy?

The best way to determine whether or not you need RCT is to come in for a consultation after noticing that you're having pain in one or more of your teeth. We will take x-rays and evaluate your oral health history to see if endodontic treatment is right for you.

What can I expect during the procedure?

During the procedure, we will numb the area around the tooth so that you won't feel any pain. Then, we'll create an opening in the tooth so that we can access the pulp. Once we remove the infected or inflamed pulp, we'll clean and shape the inside of your tooth before sealing it with a biocompatible material. Finally, we'll seal off the opening in your tooth. Afterward, you may need to see a general dentist for a crown within a few weeks.

What is the GentleWave® Procedure?

The GentleWave® Procedure is a new, cutting-edge technology that Dr. Nieves is proud to offer at our office. This minimally invasive procedure uses sound waves to clean the inside of your tooth while also being gentle on the surrounding tissue. The best part? The GentleWave® Procedure has shown to be more effective in removing bacteria than traditional root canal therapy!

If you're interested in learning more about the GentleWave® Procedure or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our office. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

What happens after the root canal therapy procedure?

After the procedure, it's normal to experience some tenderness or soreness in your gums, teeth, and jaw. This can usually be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. We'll also give you specific instructions on how to take care of your tooth, what kinds of foods to avoid, and when you should come back for a follow-up appointment. 

Contact us for a consultation if you're having tooth pain.

We love helping our patients get relief from their tooth pain! If you think you might need root canal therapy or have any questions about the procedure, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions or concerns.

If you're experiencing tooth pain, the best thing to do is schedule an appointment with our office and speak to a member of our staff. They'll help you figure out what you should do and if you need to come in and see Dr. Nieves. If you've been referred to us from your dentist, we'll be sure to communicate with your dentist’s office and request essential information and past x-rays.

If you do have a consultation or root canal therapy procedure, we send a detailed report with your x-rays to your dentist, so that there is seamless communication.