A pain-free consult can save your natural tooth.
3821 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107
817-737-3000
Fort Worth Root Canal Dentist
A root canal can be a source of fear for many people.
Patients in Fort Worth associate root canal treatment with pain, but the pain is experienced before your procedure, not during or after.
We know what it’s like: you wake up with a toothache, you sip your morning coffee, and feel a sudden pain in your tooth. You take a few Motrin and you’ve dismissed the situation as “nothing major.”
Later that evening, it’s time to shower and head off to bed, but something isn’t right. That initial sensitivity or pain has grown. What started out as a small irritation is spreading and your mouth, the side of your face, and head are throbbing.
A trip to the dentist is a must. And yes, the next few hours before your appointment can be pretty brutal – but you’ve taken the first step and you’re here. We have got this – together. We’re going to get you out of pain fast and have you recovering.
At this point, your tooth is already infected and dying. It’s too late in the game to step up your brushing and flossing to make the pain go away or restore your tooth.
There are only a few things you can do: get root canal therapy, get a dental implant, or live with the excruciating pain.
Let’s get this behind you, make an appointment for a consultation or treatment today!
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Anyone can need a root canal in their lifetime. No judgment, no embarrassment – we are only here to help you get out of pain and recover to enjoy everything you love again without pain.
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More about root canal treatment
Needing a root canal doesn't have to be scary!
We know that it is, and we don’t want to minimize your concern. However, we want to assure you that it doesn’t need to be. Our endodontists are dedicated to making sure that you have the best experience possible. We’ve spent years studying and practicing endodontics, and we’re confident that our clinical skills and dedication to your care will help make this experience a positive one. We promise that, as scary as it is, you will be out of pain, and what’s better than that?
We’re pros. We do this all the time! Root canal treatments are our thing. When you come here, you can breathe easy knowing that you’re getting the best, most high-quality care available. We want you to be confident in your care, and we will give you all the information you need to feel comfortable with your treatment and us. At Endodontic Associates, we show up to the office every day for you. We are your advocates, and when it comes down to it, we want what’s best for you. Don’t worry too much about how scary you think your treatment may be. We’ll be with you every step of the way!
What is a root canal?
From a 30,000 foot view, a root canal eliminates bacteria and infection from your tooth by removing the infected pulp, or soft tissue within the tooth. A root canal is a procedure that requires your Fort Worth endodontist at Endodontic Associates to clean out the infected part of your tooth.
Why do I need a root canal?
If you have been told that you need a root canal, it’s because there is an infection deep in the soft tissue, or the pulp, of your tooth. The pain people associate with root canals isn’t the procedure itself, but the inflamed and infected pulp and nerve within the tooth. By removing the infected tissue, we’re taking away the source of your pain and allowing the tooth, gum, and mouth to heal. At the end of it all, you won’t be in pain anymore!
How does my dentist know I need a root canal?
Your dentist can tell you need a root canal by diagnosing decay deep within your tooth by looking at x-rays. However, there are other tell-tale signs, including sensitivity, pain, discoloration, and bumps on your gums. The bottom line is that your dentist can tell when a tooth is infected. And if the pulp of your tooth is infected, you need root canal treatment.
If you’re in pain or notice any sudden sensitivity, call your dentist right away. Your tooth may be infected.
How long can I wait before I get a root canal?
In short: don’t wait.
You shouldn’t wait. If you need a root canal, you’re likely in pain. Because the pain you experience when you need a root canal is caused by an infection in the soft tissue of your tooth, waiting to treat it could be detrimental to your health and the potential survival of your tooth. Not only can infection spread to other oral tissues and cause further damage to your tooth, but you’re risking more invasive and costly dental procedures.
What happens during root canal treatment?
The first step in every endodontic treatment is taking an X-ray. An X-ray allows us to see the shape of your root canals and evaluate the surrounding tissue and bone for signs of infection. If treatment is the best course of action, you’ll be numbed and a rubber dam will be fitted around the infected tooth.
Following the placement of the rubber dam, your endodontist will drill an access hole. Because the nerve is already dead, only a small amount of pressure is felt on the tooth. Your endodontist will then remove the pulp, nerve, and any other debris and infected tissue from the tooth. Using root canal files, we’ll scrub and clean your tooth while water is flushing away any remaining infected tissue and bacteria.
Once we finish disinfecting your tooth, we’ll fill it in with a biocompatible filling material and fit you with a temporary crown.
What should I expect after my root canal treatment?
Now that the infection has been removed from your tooth, you should only feel mild pain until your tooth heals. Following your procedure, you should avoid chewy or hard foods and maintain your oral hygiene habits. For a few days, you should be careful around the treatment site. We will give you detailed instructions for home care, and if you have any questions about your recovery, you can always give us a call! We’re your partners on this journey, and our whole team is here to support you. If you have any concerns at any time, don’t hesitate to call our office.
It’s really important that you visit your regular dentist to get a permanent crown. If you don’t, you risk reinfection and may end up needing endodontic retreatment or an apicoectomy.
You’ve been through a rough time. The infection and inflammation were severe and the pain was very real. You’ve also probably faced an experience that you were afraid of head-on. Now, you can go home, allow yourself time to heal, and know that that horrible pain you felt earlier is a thing of the past! You’ve made it through the worst part, and now you can get back to things as usual.
Single-visit, Fort Worth root canal treatment
At Endodontic Associates, we’re big fans of single visit root canal treatments. Why? Because we can do the entirety of the procedure in one visit. Do you really want to come in and do this twice? At Endodontic Associates, we prioritize your health and your comfort, and in an effort to maximize your comfort, we complete the steps of your root canal treatment in a single appointment.
You’ll still need to visit your regular dentist to get a permanent crown placed, but as far as the root canal treatment itself, we’ll get it done in one visit.
Do root canals work?
Yes! Root canal treatment is a really effective treatment for preventing further damage and saving your natural tooth. We know that some people are hesitant (and that some people have strong, negative opinions) about the treatment, but root canals are safe and effective. We promise. We literally specialize in root canal treatment.
If you don’t feel comfortable with the treatment, talk to your endodontist! We would love to explain the procedure to you and walk you through safety and efficacy. We’re passionate about helping you get out of pain, and that means we’re passionate about root canals. To learn more about your root canal treatment and how it’ll help you, talk to your USA endodontist at Endodontic Associates!
A root canal is actually a good thing!
How many times have you successfully chewed your food or comforted a friend? You have your teeth to thank for this. Your ability to eat, chew, and speak is directly related to your teeth and the quality of your bite. Because root canal treatment saves your natural tooth, you’ll be able to preserve these things that we often take for granted.
If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal, you can rest assured knowing that we can save your natural tooth, and this is a really good thing. Nothing is as good as your natural teeth.
Don't worry. You have options!
When it comes to restorative dental procedures, it doesn’t get better than dental implants. However, even dental implants aren’t as good as your natural teeth. If it is possible to save your natural tooth, that should always be your first choice. However, if your tooth is too far gone, ask your endodontist at Endodontic Associates about dental implants.
If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal, you can rest assured knowing that we can save your natural tooth, and this is a really good thing. Nothing is as good as your natural teeth.
What happens if I do nothing?
This is a bad idea. Not only will you be stuck in pain, but you’re also putting your oral and overall health at risk. More advanced decay can lead to needing an extraction and a deeper infection that can spread to other tissues in your mouth. Advanced decay in dying teeth can lead to serious health complications up to and including death. In a 2013 study1, researchers found nearly 10,000 people were hospitalized for periapical abscesses annually with a mortality rate of 0.11%.
Needing an extraction isn’t the greatest option either. Bone loss, bite function, and proper speech are major side effects of tooth loss through extraction or advanced decay, not to mention the costly cosmetic treatments that will inevitably follow.