Root Canal Therapy – Fort Worth, TX
Saving Your Tooth & Soothing Your Pain
You had a dull toothache that didn’t seem like it needed urgent attention, so you ignored it. Recently, though, the pain has intensified to the point where you can barely focus on working, eating, or even sleeping.
If this has happened to you, then you might need a root canal. Before you click away from this page, however, know that root canal therapy is a safe treatment designed to save a damaged tooth with little to no discomfort. In fact, getting a root canal can even relieve your toothache! Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Renee Corbitt. With root canal therapy on Hulen, she can soothe your pain and save your smile!
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
While not every toothache warrants root canal therapy, severe pain is the most common sign that the treatment is needed, especially if it persists for more than a day. This type of toothache often indicates an infected pulp (the bundle of nerve tissue in the center of a tooth) that cannot be treated with any other procedure.
However, persistent pain is far from the only sign that you may need a root canal. Other common symptoms include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, especially in one particular tooth.
- Pain in a certain tooth when biting down.
- Gums that are red, tender, or swollen in one area.
- Dark discoloration of a tooth.
- A pimple-like bump on the gum tissue near a hurting tooth.
Please call your dentist in Fort Worth right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Our team will schedule an emergency appointment for you to get the care you need as soon as possible.
The Root Canal Process
When you visit Dr. Corbitt for a root canal, the first thing she’ll do is help you feel comfortable in the dental chair. We’ll use a local anesthetic to fully numb your mouth, preventing you from experiencing discomfort during the procedure. If you need additional help relaxing, or would simply like to take the edge off, we also offer sedation options.
Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Corbitt will create a tiny hole in the top of your tooth through which she can access the pulp. Next, she removes the damaged tissue, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Then, she thoroughly sanitizes the inside of the tooth before filling it back up with a synthetic material. Lastly, she seals the tooth closed and places a lifelike dental crown on top for protection.
Thanks to Dr. Corbitt’s skilled hands and modern dentistry technologies, most of our patients report that getting a root canal isn’t painful at all. In fact, they often compare it to getting a cavity filled.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Root canal therapy is a trusted procedure that has only become safer and more effective in recent years. Some of the major benefits of root canal therapy are:
- Preserving your natural tooth – Without a root canal, a tooth could become so damaged that it has to be extracted. Luckily, root canal therapy can help you avoid the time and money that you’d otherwise have to spend on removing and replacing a tooth.
- Eliminating pain and infection – Root canal therapy stops harmful bacteria in its tracks and lets you enjoy a pain-free smile again. Plus, it prevents infection from spreading to your other teeth, saving you from a plethora of complications.
- Being a virtually painless procedure – Despite its reputation, root canal therapy shouldn’t hurt. As with many dental procedures, you might feel sore for a few days afterward, but the procedure itself should be relatively comfortable.
Root Canal FAQs
Are Root Canals Painful?
Thanks to modern dental techniques and local anesthetics, getting a root canal feels a lot like getting a regular filling. Most of the time, when a patient says they feel pain from a root canal, what they’re actually feeling is the toothache itself. A root canal relieves this discomfort, restoring calm and quality of life.
At Renee Corbitt, DDS, our team takes every step to ensure you feel calm and comfortable throughout your treatment. After the procedure, you may experience some mild soreness or sensitivity, but it typically fades in a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers and rest are usually all that’s needed for a smooth recovery.
Are Root Canals Safe?
Yes. When performed by a professional like Dr. Corbitt, root canals are a safe and effective way to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. This common procedure has been used for decades and is supported by strong clinical research from professional organizations like the American Association of Endodontists.
That said, no treatment is entirely without risk. While rare, some patients experience reinfection or other complications. Our team uses advanced technology and sterilization techniques to minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcome.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
Most patients recover from a root canal within a few days. You may feel some tenderness around the treated area until then, but this typically improves quickly with rest. If it becomes too bothersome, over-the-counter medications can often dull the ache effectively.
We generally recommend avoiding hard or crunchy foods for a short period while the area heals to avoid accidental damage or spikes of pain. Full healing happens beneath the surface, but most people return to work or normal routines the very next day. If discomfort lasts longer than expected, give our Fort Worth office a call.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
With proper care, a root canal can last many years, often for the rest of your life! This is because the treated tooth is sealed and often restored with a crown to protect it from future damage. We use durable materials and precise techniques to ensure long-lasting results.
If you want to ensure that your restoration lasts as long as possible, you just need to take care of your smile. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine checkups help keep the area healthy and prevent reinfection. Overall, it’s a reliable and lasting solution for saving natural teeth.
