Root Canal Treatment in Dallas, TX
Root canals are needed when decay and bacteria spread for too long without treatment and reach the pulp inside the tooth. Because this pulp contains nerves, an infection usually causes significant pain. At Bluffview Dental, Dr. Banks provides gentle root canal therapy that relieves discomfort, removes infection, and saves your natural tooth.
Request an AppointmentSigns You May Need a Root Canal
Since infection happens on the inside of the tooth, you will not necessarily see the damage. Instead, you may feel it through pain and notice other warning signs, including:
- Persistent or throbbing toothache
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Bleeding, a pimple-like bump on the gums, or bad breath
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy
After numbing the area, Dr. Banks creates a small opening in the tooth and carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp. The inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, shaped, and sealed to prevent future infection. Most patients are surprised to find the procedure feels similar to getting a filling, and it brings relief from the pain the infection was causing.
Because a tooth that has had a root canal can become brittle, it is often protected with a porcelain crown to restore its strength and appearance. Treating an infected tooth promptly helps you avoid an extraction and the need to replace the tooth with a bridge or dental implant.
Preventing the Need for a Root Canal
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly helps catch decay early, when a simple filling can repair the tooth before infection reaches the pulp.
Root Canal FAQs
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment that removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and seals the tooth, and saves it from extraction.
Does a root canal hurt?
The area is fully numbed, so most patients feel little discomfort. The procedure actually relieves the pain caused by the infection.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Lingering tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or gum tenderness may indicate an infection. An exam and x-rays will confirm whether treatment is needed.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
In many cases, yes. A crown protects the treated tooth and restores its strength, especially for back teeth.
What happens if I do not get a root canal?
An untreated infection can spread, cause more pain and swelling, and may lead to losing the tooth.
How long does root canal treatment take?
Many root canals are completed in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and the extent of the infection.
Get Relief From Tooth Pain
Do not wait for tooth pain to get worse. Call Bluffview Dental at (214) 350-2311 to schedule an evaluation for root canal treatment.