Fort Worth Endodontics
Alliance Endodontics is now the Fort Worth location for Texas Endodontic Center! We warmly welcome Dr. Pei Kang and her team to the Texas Endodontic Center family.
What is Endodontics?
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosing and treating diseases of the pulp and root canal system. While general dentists may perform some endodontic procedures, such as simple extractions, most endodontic procedures are performed by endodontists who have completed additional education and training after dental school.
At Texas Endodontic Center, we are proud to be members of the American Association of Endodontists. We offer a wide range of endodontic treatments to help relieve tooth pain and restore oral health. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
No matter what type of endodontic treatment you need, you can rest assured knowing that you’re in good hands with us at Texas Endodontic Center.
Our Endodontic Services in Fort Worth, Texas
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a procedure performed when the tooth’s pulp or nerve tissue becomes infected. The infection can be caused by decay, trauma, or other conditions. During a root canal, the endodontist will remove the infected pulp or nerve tissue, clean the inside of the tooth, and seal up the damaged location. Root canals are often used to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic surgery treats conditions that cannot be treated with a root canal alone. Common conditions that require endodontic surgery include cracked teeth, traumatic injuries, and blockages in the root canal. Surgery may also be recommended if there is damage to the surrounding bone due to an infection. The most common type of endodontic surgery is called apicoectomy or root-end resection. During this procedure, the damaged tissue is removed, and the remaining tooth structure is sealed. Endodontic surgery is typically used as a last resort after all other treatment options have been exhausted.
Endodontic Retreatment
Endodontic retreatment is a procedure that is performed when a previous root canal fails to heal properly. Retreatment involves removing the filling from the previous root canal and cleaning out any remaining infection. Once the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, a new filling will be placed. Retreatment and root canal therapy are often successful in saving teeth that have become infected after a previous root canal.
Cracked Teeth
- pain when chewing,
- sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and
- swelling around the gum line.
Traumatic Injuries
Teeth can become displaced or knocked out entirely due to trauma such as sports-related injuries and car accidents. If you find yourself experiencing one of these unfortunate events, it is crucial that you see an endodontist immediately, as time is a critical factor when trying to save the tooth.
At Texas Endodontic Center, we offer several different treatments for traumatic injuries depending on the extent of tooth damage. Endodontic surgery or retreatment may be necessary to save the damaged tooth. Apexogenesis and apexification are common procedures used to treat young patients who have experienced traumatic injuries.
The Best Endodontist in Fort Worth, TX
Finding an endodontist can be extremely difficult, as only 3% of dentists in America are endodontists. If you’re looking for the best endodontist in Fort Worth, TX, Dr. Pei Kang at Texas Endodontic Center is your top choice.
Dr. Pei Kang is a board-eligible endodontist practicing in the North Texas area for over 18 years. Originally from China, Dr. Kang came to Baylor College of Dentistry in 1998 to pursue a Ph.D. in Oral Biology. She then went on to pursue her specialty training and completed her Certificate in Endodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry (now Texas A&M College of Dentistry) in 2004.
As an esteemed member of the American Association of Endodontics, Dr. Kang has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, received recognition for her research, and given lectures at conferences around the nation. She prioritizes patient experience and uses various techniques to ensure each patient’s comfort.
In her spare time, Dr. Kang enjoys reading and studying from Living Stream Ministry, meeting friends at a coffee shop, and spending time with her husband Joel, whom she met at a “Dress like the 50′s” party at a church in Carrollton, TX. They love dogs and have a wonderful canine kid – Happy, who is always happy.
What's the Difference Between a Dentist and an Endodontist?
Just like the difference between a general doctor and a specialist, a dentist is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of oral health problems. In contrast, an endodontist is specifically trained to diagnose and treat problems with the pulp of your tooth.
Dentists go through four years of dental school after they finish their undergraduate degree. Endodontists complete four years of dental school and at least two extra years of education and training in endodontics. This specialized training gives endodontists the skills and knowledge necessary to provide specialized care for the teeth.
Another critical difference between dentists and endodontists is that endodontists are experts in pain management. They use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat conditions that cause pain in the teeth and jaws. As a result, their root canal treatments are extremely effective in relieving pain and restoring teeth to their normal function.
Need a Root Canal? Here’s What to Expect at Our Fort Worth Office.
You may feel a little anxious if you’ve been told you need a root canal. But there’s no need to worry! Root canals are a common and relatively simple procedure to save infected or damaged teeth. At Texas Endodontic Center, our board-certified endodontist Dr. Kang is an expert in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting dental pulp. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care. Our office has a 90% success rate for root canal procedures, and we are committed to providing our patients with a positive experience.
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Kang will take a full medical history and thoroughly examine your mouth. We’ll also take x-rays to better examine the affected tooth or teeth. Once we have all the information we need, we’ll discuss with you about your treatment options and answer any questions you may have. We’ll also go over any possible complications that could arise during treatment. We believe that by educating our patients, we can help you feel more at ease about your procedure.
The Treatment Process
Root canal treatment is usually performed in one to two visits. During the first visit, we will clean out the infected nerve tissue and shape the inside of the tooth. A temporary filling may need to be placed in the tooth to protect it if a second visit is needed.
At your second visit, we will remove the temporary filling and place a permanent filling or crown on the tooth. It is vital to have a permanent filling or crown placed on the tooth as soon as possible after root canal treatment to protect it from re-infection.
We understand that root canals can be a stressful experience, but our goal is to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during treatment. At Texas Endodontic Center, we use local anesthesia and laughing gas (nitrous oxide) to ensure that our patients are comfortable during their root canal procedures. Both options are safe and effective, and our experienced staff will work with you to determine the best way to keep you comfortable during treatment.
Post-Treatment Care
- To ensure that your root canal heals properly, avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
- Avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth for at least 24 hours.
- Soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt are good options for the first day or two after treatment.
- Avoid using straws for at least 24 hours because suction can cause the temporary filling to come out.
- Avoid using tobacco products for at least 48 hours, as they can slow down the healing process.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods that could potentially damage the temporary filling.
- Brush and floss your teeth as usual, but be careful not to dislodge the temporary filling.
- Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
The cost of a root canal will vary depending on the severity of the infection, the tooth affected, and whether or not you have dental insurance coverage. However, root canals are often more affordable than having the tooth extracted and replaced with an artificial tooth. If you are looking for affordable root canals in Fort Worth, TX, we welcome you to contact Texas Endodontic Center for a consultation. We have financing and payment options for all patients.
Learn More About Endodontics in Fort Worth
Yes, root canals are safe. They are one of the most common procedures performed by dentists and have a very high success rate. Endodontists in the United States perform an average of 25 root canals per week, totaling to more than 15 million annually.
No, root canals are not painful. They are often performed to relieve pain caused by an infected tooth. Endodontists use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth so that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. If you are anxious about the procedure, we also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax.
There are a few reasons why you may need a root canal. If you have a tooth that is cracked or chipped, this can cause bacteria to enter the pulp chamber and cause an infection. You may also need a root canal if you have a deep cavity reaching the pulp chamber. If you are experiencing any pain or sensitivity in a tooth, it is best to call an endodontist so they can evaluate the situation and determine if a root canal is necessary.
During your first visit, we will take x-rays of your mouth and perform a physical examination of your teeth and gums to determine which tooth is affected and the severity of the infection. If we determine that a root canal is necessary, we will schedule you for a second appointment.
The actual procedure usually takes 30-90 minutes per tooth. However, the severity of the problem and rare complications may extend the procedure duration.
Root canals have many benefits, including lasting relief from tooth pain. In most cases, teeth that received root canal treatments can last just as long as your other natural teeth. It can also help preserve your natural smile by allowing you to keep your original tooth. However, the deciding factor rests upon how you take care of your teeth following the procedure. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups will help ensure that your root canal lasts for a lifetime.
A root canal is a treatment used to save a tooth damaged by decay or infection. The procedure repairs teeth that have been cracked or chipped. It can also treat infections that have spread to the pulp. Symptoms that may indicate that you need a root canal include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, gum swelling, and tooth discoloration.
No, root canals are not known to cause any illnesses or diseases. Root canals are often performed to save teeth damaged by decay or infection. Root canals also help to avoid needing a full tooth extraction.
Yes, children can absolutely get root canals. There are two types of root canal treatments specifically designed for children: apexogenesis and apexification. Apexogenesis is typically used for children with permanent teeth with open roots (meaning the roots have not yet fully developed). Apexification is generally used for children with permanent teeth with closed roots and inflamed or infected pulp tissue.
Most dental insurance plans will cover at least some of the costs associated with endodontic treatment (including root canals). However, keep in mind that every insurance plan is different. It is always best to contact our office directly to discuss your particular coverage options.
Our Fort Worth endodontic office uses local anesthesia and laughing gas (nitrous oxide) for pain management during root canal procedures. Local anesthesia numbs the specific area being treated so that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Laughing gas is inhaled through a mask and helps you relax during treatment. While you are under the influence of laughing gas, you will remain awake and be able to respond to questions from our team. However, you will likely feel lightheaded and may even fall asleep during treatment.
The tooth pulp is the soft tissue inside your teeth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. This tissue helps to nourish your teeth and gives them sensation. Your tooth pulp is protected by your tooth’s enamel (the hard, white outer layer of your tooth) and your dentin (the more rigid, yellowish layer beneath your enamel).
After your root canal therapy, your endodontist may place a temporary filling in the tooth. Once the inflammation and infection have resolved, you need to see a restorative dentist to have a permanent crown or filling placed.
In some cases, root canal therapy may not save the tooth successfully. If this happens, you may need retreatment, which is essentially another root canal procedure. Retreatment is usually recommended if there is new decay or infection present, if there was inadequate cleaning or filling of the root canal during the initial procedure, or if there was structural damage to the tooth that was not repaired during treatment.
Root canal treatment complications are rare. However, you should let your endodontist know whether you are currently taking certain medications, such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, or heart medications, as these can increase bleeding and prevent proper healing. You should also let your endodontist know if you have any medical conditions that could complicate the procedure, such as diabetes, heart disease, or immune system disorders.
