Root Canals in Wylie, TX
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure where the pulp inside a tooth is removed, and the space is cleaned and sealed. This is often done because the pulp has become infected. Root canals are important because they can help save a tooth that would otherwise have to be removed.
Texas Endodontic Center in Wylie is your local top-rated endodontics office that offers root canals to patients in need. All of our endodontists are proud members of the American Association of Endodontists. Along with our highly-skilled staff and state-of-the-art equipment, we provide each patient with the best possible experience and root canal treatment available.
If you think you may need a root canal, or have any questions about the procedure, please call us today at 972-818-5090 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you keep your smile healthy!
Dentist vs. Endodontist: What's the Difference?
Dentists and endodontists both have expertise in oral health, but they have different areas of focus. Dentists are general practitioners who provide preventive and restorative care for teeth and gums. In contrast, endodontists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. Aside from general dentistry education, endodontists undergo additional education and training to specialize in this area. Additionally, they’re experts in pain management and use the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide the best possible results for their patients.
Our Endodontic Services in Wylie, Texas
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a procedure used to save a tooth that is infected or damaged. During a root canal, the damaged pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned of bacteria. The tooth is then sealed to prevent further damage.
Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic surgery is sometimes necessary when a root canal cannot be performed or when the root canal does not heal properly. There are several different types of endodontic surgery, but they all involve accessing the tooth’s root to remove the damaged tissue.
Endodontic Retreatment
Endodontic retreatment is a procedure that is used when a previous root canal fails. During retreatment, the endodontist will access the root of the tooth to clean out the infection and repair any damage that has been done. Retreatment and root canal therapy are often successful in saving teeth that have become infected after a previous root canal.
Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth can happen for various reasons, but they usually occur due to trauma to the mouth or teeth, such as from biting down on hard food. Cracks can also happen due to wear and tear over time. If you have a cracked tooth, it’s important to see an endodontist right away so that they can determine the best course of treatment. Treatment options for cracked teeth include root canals, bonding, crowns, and veneers.
Traumatic Injuries
Traumatic injuries to your teeth can happen in many ways, such as being hit in the face with a ball or falling against a hard surface. The most common type of traumatic injury is avulsion when the entire tooth is knocked out. If this happens, it’s important to try and find the tooth and bring it with you to your dentist appointment. The faster you see a dentist after an injury, the more likely they’ll be able to save your tooth.
Need a Root Canal? Here’s What to Expect at Our Wylie Office
A root canal is a procedure used to save a tooth damaged by decay or infection. The goal of the procedure is to clean out the infected or damaged pulp and to seal the tooth so that it can be restored and function normally. At the Texas Endodontic Center, our endodontists are experts in root canal procedures and use the latest technology to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.
Initial Consultation
Root canals are generally pain-free and stress-free; most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during or after the procedure. During your initial consultation, one of our expert endodontists will review your medical history, thoroughly examine your mouth, and take X-rays to determine if a root canal is the best treatment option for you.
You will be informed of any potential complications during your consultation or as soon as they become evident during treatment. The vast majority of root canals are successful, but in rare cases, a tooth may need to be extracted. We welcome any questions you may have about the procedure and will do our best to ensure that you are comfortable and well-informed before treatment.
Treatment Process
Root canals are usually performed under local anesthesia, but we also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for our patients who are feeling anxious about the procedure. The actual treatment is relatively painless and takes approximately 30-90 minutes per tooth.
Post-Treatment Care
After your root canal, you can resume your normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable, but be sure to avoid chewing on hard foods for the first 24 hours. Although you should also brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you may want to be gentle around the treated area until the wound is fully healed. If you have any questions or concerns about your root canal treatment, please don’t hesitate to call us. We’re always happy to help.
How Much Do Root Canals in Wylie, Texas Cost?
The cost of a root canal can vary depending on several factors, including the damage’s severity, the tooth’s location, the number of roots on the tooth, and whether or not you have dental insurance.
Learn More about Root Canals in Wylie, Texas
Yes, root canals are safe. They are one of the most common dental procedures performed yearly and have a very high success rate. More than 95% of teeth with root canals remain healthy for decades after the procedure.
With the help of modern technology and anesthesia, root canals are usually not painful. Most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during or after the procedure. If you’re worried about pain after the process, don’t be—most patients only experience minor discomfort that can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
A root canal procedure is most commonly used to treat an infected tooth or decay that has reached the pulp. You should seek endodontic care as soon as possible if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Severe toothache pain that persists even after taking over-the-counter pain medication
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Tenderness or swelling in the gums
- Darkening of the tooth
- pus coming from the infected tooth
A root canal usually takes two visits to our Wylie office to complete. The first visit will be to clean and shape the inside of the tooth. A temporary filling will be placed in the tooth. The procedure usually takes 30-90 minutes for each tooth. The second visit will be to apply the permanent filling in the tooth. This process usually takes 30-90 minutes as well.
Root canals are designed to last a lifetime. However, it’s crucial to take care of your teeth after a root canal by brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Failure to do so can lead to a new infection in the tooth.
You may have seen the Netflix documentary claiming root canals can cause cancer. But it is a factless myth proven false by multiple reputable scientific studies. There is no link between root canals and any illnesses or diseases.
Most dental insurance plans cover endodontic treatment, including root canals. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment to find out what your specific plan covers. You can also contact our Wylie office to discuss your coverage options.
Our Wylie office uses a local anesthetic and laughing gas (nitrous oxide) to help manage pain during root canals. Both methods are safe and effective ways to help patients relax and feel comfortable during the procedure.
There is no test to confirm whether or not a tooth requires a root canal. The best way to determine if you need a root canal is to visit an endodontist for an evaluation. During your assessment, your endodontist will take X-rays of your teeth and jawbone to look for signs of infection or damage. They will also examine your teeth and gums for any signs of irritation or inflammation. Based on this information, your endodontist can determine if you need a root canal or if another treatment option would be more appropriate.
The tooth pulp is the tissue inside your teeth. It contains blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves. It starts to form when you are a fetus and grows until your permanent teeth erupt.
After your root canal treatment, your endodontist will place a temporary filling in the tooth to protect it until you see your restorative dentist. It is vital to see your restorative dentist within 1-2 weeks of having your root canal so that they can place a permanent restoration (crown) on the tooth.
In some cases, retreatment may be necessary if the original root canal did not successfully eliminate all of the infection. If this is the case, your endodontist will perform another root canal procedure. However, retreatment is only necessary in about 5% of all cases.
Complications are rare but can occur after any type of dental treatment, including root canal therapy. Some common complications include pain, swelling, and infection at the treatment site; however, these can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain medication or antibiotics prescribed by your dentist. To reduce your risk of complications, it is important to follow proper care instructions after treatment and avoid chewing on hard foods until your wounds are completely healed.
We hope that this information was helpful. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to contact our Wylie office at 972-818-5090 so that we can assist you.
