Southlake Endodontics

Root Canal Services

1100 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 400, Southlake, TX

tel: 817.488.3636 • fax: 817.421.2372

Patient Services

• Diagnosis of Tooth Pain
• Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment
• Non-Surgical Root Canal Retreatment
• Microsurgical Root Canal Treatment
• Treatment of Injuries in Children

Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment

What is a non-surgical root canal?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is the pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissues that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.

How is a root canal performed?

Five step overview of the process:

• The tooth and surrounding tissues are numbed using modern anesthetic medications and techniques to ensure your comfort.
• A dental dam is placed on the tooth.
• The doctor makes a small opening through the crown of your tooth.
• The doctor cleans out the pulp chamber and the canal in the root and disinfects them using special instruments.
• The doctor places medication and a filling material into the empty areas to seal the tooth’s interior and ensure the infection does not return.

The final step includes permanent restoration of the tooth by your general dentist with a silver or tooth-colored filling, an onlay, or a crown. The type of restoration depends on the tooth’s position, color and the amount of restoration needed.

What can I expect after treatment?

Since non-surgical root canal therapy removes only the pulp from the root canal, the tooth can continue to function normally if you follow through with the permanent restoration of the tooth with your general dentist.

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration as soon as possible but at most within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.

How long will my treatment take?

• At your first visit, we will give you a comprehensive examination to diagnose the origin of your orofacial pain and to check for any disease in your dental pulp. We will be able to tell you if your tooth is a good candidate for non-surgical root canal therapy.
• We will fully explain your treatment options. You will have a chance to ask any questions you have about your treatment.
• Your treatment usually can be completed at this first appointment. Sometimes, however, you may need additional appointments.

Will non-surgical root canal treatment save my tooth?

The prognosis for the overwhelming majority of teeth treated with non-surgical root canal therapy is excellent. Successful results occur in about 96% of cases.

Depending on your specific situation, your chances of success with endodontic treatment may not be as good. In this case, we will discuss it with you during your initial consultation, or—if the complication does not occur until after your treatment—as soon as possible. We will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your treatment.

How much will it cost?

The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth. Also, there is nothing like having the original tooth or teeth retained in your mouth for continued function.