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(972) 818-1300
5072 W Plano Pkwy #250
Plano, TX 75093

Root Canal Therapy – Plano, TX

Save Your Smile with Root Canal Therapy

woman with toothache

If a toothache is keeping you up at night, Parkway Vista Dental can give you the relief you need. Although many people think a toothache is common from time to time, it’s never a good sign. In fact, it often indicates an infection. Don’t worry. We can save your tooth with a root canal. Despite their bad reputation for being painful, our modern dental office uses the latest advancements in dentistry, so root canal therapy in Plano, TX isn’t any worse than a traditional dental filling.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

Animation of root canal steps

Your teeth are comprised of 3 layers. The hard layer you see is the enamel, which protects the underlying dentin. The dentin contains millions of tiny tubes connecting to the nerve center of your tooth, called the pulp.

Every day, your teeth are exposed to acids that slowly eat away at your enamel. Over time, a small hole may form, known as a cavity. At this point, the decay can be easily treated using a filling. Unfortunately, many people don’t get the care they need. As a result, the decay extends further into the tooth until it eventually reaches the dentin. Now, a filling is no longer enough. You’ll need a root canal to save your tooth from extraction.

There are several signs that can indicate you need a root canal, such as:

  • Darkening of your tooth.
  • Lingering tooth sensitivity.
  • Pain when putting pressure on a tooth.
  • Pimple-like bump appearing on the gum near the tooth.

What is a Root Canal?

dental chair

A root canal is an endodontic treatment used to extract the pulp. It’s one of the most common restorative dentistry treatments; however, your dentist in Plano only recommends it when there aren’t any other options to save your tooth.

Generally, you can expect your procedure to take 2 appointments. During your first visit, a local anesthetic is used to ensure your comfort as Dr. Kamali removes any areas of decay and extracts the pulp. Your tooth is sterilized before it’s sealed with gutta-percha. This reinforces its structure while also sealing out bacteria.

Now that the health of your tooth is restored, Dr. Kamali focuses on its appearance and function, which will require a dental crown. Our dental office uses all-ceramic restorations, so you can rest assured your crown will look natural.

Dr. Kamali takes an impression of your mouth to ensure the crown meets your exact needs. It can take the dental lab a couple of weeks to fabricate it to match your specifications. While you wait, a temporary crown is bonded to your tooth. After your final restoration is sent back to our dental office, you return for your second appointment to have it bonded to your tooth.

It’s normal for your tooth to be a bit tender for a couple of days after your root canal, but you can manage your discomfort using an over-the-counter pain reliever. It’s also best to avoid chewing with your tooth until after you’ve received your permanent crown.

Your crown can last for over a decade if you practice the right oral hygiene habits at home and visit your dentist regularly.

Root Canal FAQs

Wooden letters blocks spelling FAQ on white ledge

It’s not unusual to feel a bit nervous after learning you will need a root canal in Plano. However, we’re here to help! Our talented team has collected the most common questions about root canal therapy and answered them below. You can ease your nerves by learning more about this common restorative procedure. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?

Unlike a scrape, cut, or bruise, which heal on their own, a tooth infection will only get worse without professional treatment. Sometimes, tooth pain goes away, which might trick you into thinking you no longer need a root canal. However, this often indicates that the infection has actually destroyed the tooth’s nerves, leaving them unable to register pain. Instead of rolling the dice and delaying treatment, you should schedule a root canal as soon as possible after your dentist tells you that you need one. Waiting too long to get a root canal when you need one could cause the infection to spread to your jaw, gums, other teeth, or even the rest of your body, where it could cause systemic illness. Your tooth might also become so damaged that it has to be extracted.

Can Root Canals Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent the need for a root canal is to take good care of your oral health. Be sure to brush twice a day for a full two minutes each time, floss daily, and use mouthwash regularly. In addition, regular dental checkups every six months are an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. Together, these habits will minimize the risk of bacteria reaching a tooth’s pulp. You can also decrease your risk of tooth decay by limiting your sugar intake, eating lots of nutritious foods, and drinking plenty of water. Finally, wearing a mouthguard when playing sports and a nightguard while sleeping (if you grind your teeth) can protect your teeth from becoming chipped or cracked. Bacteria have an easier time accessing the pulp of compromised teeth, which could lead to the need for a root canal in Plano.

How Long Do Root Canals Last?

Root canals have a remarkably high success rate when performed by an experienced dentist in Plano. Most teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy can provide full chewing function for many years, or even a lifetime. The longevity of your root canal will depend on various factors, such as:

  • The extent of damage to the tooth.
  • How much time elapsed between placing the temporary and the permanent crown/filling (if too much time has passed, the tooth may be vulnerable to reinfection).

To help your root canal last as long as possible, make sure to follow Dr. Kamali’s post-op instructions and practice excellent oral hygiene.

How Much Pain Is Normal After a Root Canal?

While the root canal procedure itself shouldn’t hurt, you may experience some discomfort and soreness over the next few days. In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, should be enough to handle any temporary mild pain. Avoid chewing hard foods during this initial recovery period, as doing so could worsen your discomfort. Post-root canal pain should start to subside after three days or so. If it doesn’t, give our team a call right away.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Don’t ignore your toothache. We can stop your pain and save your tooth with a root canal. Contact our dental office today to schedule your consultation.