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Root Canals – Tyler, TX

Relieving Your Toothache and Saving Your Smile!

When it comes to dental services, there are few phrases more dreaded than “root canal.” However, these treatments make it possible for our team to repair damaged teeth and avoid unnecessary tooth extractions. The bad reputation root canals have likely stemmed from the toothache that precedes them rather than the treatment itself. At Franklin Dental Center, our dentist and team have years of experience working with patients to preserve their optimal level of oral health. When Dr. Donna Franklin-Pitts recommends root canal therapy, she will carefully explain the entire process, so you can feel completely comfortable and confident in the treatment choice. If you have questions about root canal therapy, keep reading to see if we address any of your concerns, or give our team a call to schedule a consultation. We’re happy to welcome patients from Tyler, Lindale, and other nearby communities.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

dentist giving root canal in Tyler to young woman Root canals are necessary when tooth decay, a chip or crack, or other dental trauma reaches deep inside the tooth to the innermost layer. Known as the pulp, this soft tissue houses the entire nerve system of the tooth. Because the nerve is accessed directly by damage or decay, a painful toothache and sensitivity to temperature changes may occur. Root canal therapy is recommended in these situations to relieve pain and preserve what healthy dental structure remains.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

diagram of tooth being treated with root canal therapy While dental professionals are the only ones who can definitively say whether you need a root canal, there are certain signs to watch out for that may indicate one is required. Give us a call right away if you notice any of the following:

  • Lingering sensitivity to heat or cold
  • Pain when biting or chewing with the tooth
  • Dark discoloration of the tooth or the gums around it
  • Pimple-like bump or sore on the gums near the tooth
  • Persistent foul taste in your mouth or bad breath

The Root Canal Procedure

woman giving thumbs up in dental chair Dr. Franklin-Pitts will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. We can also offer nitrous oxide sedation for patients who need a little extra help relaxing during their appointment. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Franklin-Pitts drills a small access hole from the top of the tooth to the inner layer. We use a series of specialized tools (called files) to extract the entire pulp and nerve structure as well as any other damaged tissue. Next, we refill the tooth with a biocompatible substance of similar quality. Then the access hole is refilled. In most cases, we place a dental crown to protect and strengthen the treated tooth.

Root Canal Aftercare

man smiling at his dentist While the procedure itself shouldn’t hurt, it’s perfectly normal to experience some swelling and soreness for a few days following your root canal. If we prescribe any pain medication, take it as directed. You could also apply a cold compress to your cheek in 10-minute intervals for up to an hour at a time to curb both pain and swelling. It may help to stick to a soft food diet for the first few days until you feel comfortably eating with your treated tooth again. Just be sure to avoid chewing anything particularly hard or sticky so that you don’t dislodge your dental crown.

Root Canal FAQs

Woman with toothache at dentist's office

If you want to learn more about root canal treatment, you’re always welcome to reach out to our Tyler dental team directly. Or, if you want to continue your research online, you can also read on; we’ve answered some of the most asked questions about this tooth-saving service below!

Can Root Canals Be Prevented?

Fortunately, there are several ways you can dramatically reduce your chances of needing root canal treatment. That starts with a comprehensive oral hygiene regimen, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash each evening. There are also a few things you should do on an ongoing basis, like visiting us every six months for a checkup and cleaning, wearing a mouthguard when playing sports, and avoiding unhealthy habits, like smoking.

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

The longer you wait, the worse the root of the problem gets. In other words, if you wait too long to get root canal treatment, then you’ll likely need even more invasive and costly care. In fact, the dental damage may progress to the point where saving your tooth is no longer an option. Therefore, we will need to extract your tooth instead and put a dental bridge or implant in its place.

How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?

When you get home, you likely won’t feel any discomfort since the numbing agent is still working. However, a few hours later it will wear off, resulting in some soreness. The good news is that the aftercare instructions we give you are designed to prevent irritation (as well as an infection). So, make sure to follow them to a tee and reach out to us with any questions you have.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

Although dental pain is a common symptom of a severely decayed tooth, there are also other warning signs, including bleeding gums, dark discoloration on one or more of your teeth, and a pimple-like bump or blister on your gums. So, even if you aren’t struggling with a persistent toothache or pain when biting down, you may still need a root canal to restore your oral health.

Do Root Canals Make You Sick?

There is a common myth that root canals make you sick, which stems from a study conducted back in the 1920s. At the time, a dentist, Dr. Weston Price, claimed that it was better to extract a tooth since root canal treatment didn’t remove all of the bacteria. However, his research was poorly designed and has been debunked for decades now. Simply put, there is no scientific evidence that root canals make you sick.