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Root Canal Treatment in Temple, TX

Fairbanks Dental Associates offers Root Canal Therapy in Temple, TX. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 254-778-4402.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Toothaches happen for a large variety of reasons. Decay, breakage, infection, or other factors can cause the nerve in the tooth to feel the pain that sometimes can be unbearable and constant. Root canal therapy is a procedure used to provide relief from this pain or prevent you from having pain in the first place.

Every tooth has a middle section made up of soft tissue containing nerves that can be sensitive. Generally, once the infection reaches the pulp, you will feel it. Tooth pain, swelling, sensitivity, and discoloration can all be an indication that your tooth may be infected and requires attention from the dentist.

Root canal therapy involves going into the pulp region of the tooth, removing the soft tissue, and disinfecting the inside to ensure any bacteria is taken care of. Once it is all cleared out, the tooth will be sealed up and left to heal.

Not all cases of a toothache require root canal therapy and so it is extremely important to find a dentist that you trust. Here at Fairbanks Dental Associates, we are very focused on patient-centered treatment where we will discuss every scenario to find out the best treatment plan for you.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

There are two major benefits of root canal therapy: pain relief and saving the natural tooth.

When you have been dealing with all the pain and discomfort that can come with a toothache, getting relief with a root canal is vital. However, the main advantage of root canal treatment is saving the natural tooth from extraction. Whenever possible it is always important to keep as many functional teeth as you can. Fortunately, root canals are one tool to help us achieve this goal.

Are You a Good Candidate for Root Canal Therapy?

Sometimes there are noticeable signs that could indicate root canal therapy is needed, such as:

Toothache
Swelling in the face, jaw, and neck
Tooth sensitivity
Jaw pain
Pimple-like blisters on the gums (abscess
Injury/trauma to the tooth
Discolored tooth

While any of these signs may indicate that root canal therapy is necessary, it is important to keep in mind that not everyone experiences symptoms prior to treatment. It is also crucial to know how long your root canal treatment is expected to last after it is completed. Each situation is unique and not all teeth that need root canals are the same. Sometimes a root canal may not be the right treatment for you and so it is important to assess and discuss all options with Dr. Fairbanks as we focus on your complete oral health and the longevity of your natural tooth.

Why Choose Fairbanks Dental Associates?

Root canal therapy may be a very common procedure, but it is also one that requires the highest quality dental care as well as a compassionate dental team. At Fairbanks Dental Associates, we understand that many people get nervous when it comes to root canals which is why we will take every step possible to ensure that you are comfortable the entire time you go through treatment at our office.

If you have any of the above symptoms, we are here to take the steps needed to bring you relief.

FAQs

Wouldn’t it be easier to have the tooth extracted?

The answer varies from person to person. Sometimes extraction is the better option with the idea that the tooth would be replaced with a long-term solution like dental implants. There are other scenarios where it is better to have the root canal procedure done to stop the infection or pain. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages which is why it is important to discuss all options with Dr. Fairbanks when you come in to visit.

Does it hurt to get a root canal?

No. Unlike what you may have heard or seen in the past it should not hurt to get a root canal. Local anesthesia keeps the area numb so that you do not feel discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, however, it is common for you to feel a little discomfort. An over-the-counter pain reliever is often all that is needed. Sometimes on a rare occasion, the infection present can make it difficult for a tooth to get fully numb. That is why at Fairbanks Dental Associates we take our time to ensure that you are comfortable before we ever even start the procedure.

Why is a crown needed rather than a filling after a root canal?

The hole that is left in the tooth as a result of the root canal is often significant and directly in the center of the tooth. A filling doesn’t provide the strength necessary to keep the tooth healthy in the long term. A crown reinforces the tooth and restores its integrity. It allows the tooth to return to its normal function. Plus, it has the added benefit of transforming the tooth cosmetically.