At Southern Dental Associates at Spring Branch, we do everything we can to save your teeth in cases of decay, damage or infection. That’s why we offer root canal treatment for cases of an internal infection. If you’re suffering from a toothache, call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We offer extended hours to help accommodate your schedule any way we can.

What is a Root Canal?

We perform root canal treatment when the soft material contained inside your tooth, called the dental pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. The pulp is normally protected by the hard outer enamel of the tooth, but it can become infected when the enamel is compromised due to decay, dental trauma, or previous dental work. If you have a severe toothache, it may be due to an inflamed or infected pulp within the tooth. To save the tooth and prevent future pain, you may need a root canal treatment. We perform root canals to remove the infected material and fill and seal the tooth.

How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal Treatment?

Signs your tooth might need a root canal treatment include:

• Severe toothache
• Swelling or pain in the jaw
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Sensitivity to cold or heat

• Tenderness when touched
• Pus drainage in the mouth
• Teeth showing signs of infection on X-rays

Many people dread root canal treatment, but in actuality, this procedure has a high success rate and can save your tooth from needing to be extracted. With the help of a local anesthetic, you’ll feel little-to-no pain during the procedure. We also offer sedation options to make your experience as relaxing and comfortable as possible. After treatment, your tooth will be sealed with a dental crown and will be able to function just like normal.

When you come into our office with a toothache, our dentist will examine your mouth and determine if you have an infected root canal. Together, you’ll come up with a treatment plan that works for you. Root canal treatments are typically completed in our office in one or two visits, depending on the extent of the infection and timeline for treatment.