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Root Canal Therapy in Austin, TX

Sometimes the only way to prevent the inevitable loss of an infected tooth is root canal therapy. Many patients assume that the simplest solution for treating a severely damaged or diseased tooth is extraction, but saving your natural teeth offers a number of benefits. Dr. Loveless will explain all of your options so you can make an informed decision. If you’ve noticed an abscess or any other sign of a tooth infection, you may need a root canal, please contact us today by completing the form on this page or calling to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lance Loveless. We proudly serve the Austin area, including West Lake Hills and Lakeway.

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What Is a Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal treatments are general dentistry procedures designed to restore a tooth that has been severely damaged by decay or has become diseased. During the root canal procedure, Dr. Loveless will remove the interior pulp tissue, clean the infected area and seal your tooth to avoid further problems. Although extracted teeth can be effectively replaced by a variety of tooth-replacement options, such as dental implants, in the long run, it’s much better to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible.

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Do I Need a Root Canal?

Increased pain in a specific area of the mouth is usually the first indication your tooth has become infected. In time, this pain may extend into the jaw and neck, making it difficult to chew or even result in lockjaw. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth may include:

Tooth discoloration
A pustule on the gums
Swelling or reddening of the gums
Increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
A foul taste in the mouth
Chronic bad breath
General discomfort
Fever
Toothache

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to meet with Dr. Loveless as soon as possible. Even if your symptoms are not related to a dental abscess, they can indicate a serious oral health issue and should be evaluated to help prevent further complications.

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The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Severe tooth decay usually happens when a cavity advances through the tooth, extending into the nerve and pulp tissue within your root canals. Left untreated, advanced decay may develop into an abscess. This can cause the tooth to die, leading to tooth loss.

A root canal can:

Possibly help to avoid tooth extraction
Preserve the nerves of the tooth
Stop the progression of the infection

Despite their reputation for being painful experiences, modern root canals are actually quite the opposite. Dr. Loveless is extensively experienced in these dental procedures and can make your treatment as quick and comfortable as possible.

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Root Canal Procedure

Here’s a brief overview of the procedure:

Step 1

Consultation and X-ray

The process begins with a consultation where your dentist will review your symptoms and take an X-ray to examine the extent of damage or infection.

Step 2

Local Anesthesia

Once it’s determined that a root canal is necessary, the dentist will administer a local anesthesia to numb the area and ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.

Step 3

Pulpectomy

The dentist will then create an opening in the affected tooth to reach the pulp chamber. The infected or dead pulp is removed, hence the name ‘root canal’.

Step 4

Cleaning and Shaping

Using special tools, the dentist will clean and shape the canals to ensure all the bacteria and debris are removed. This also prepares the canals for the filling material.

Step 5

Filling the Canals

The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material, often a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. The opening of the tooth is then sealed with a temporary filling to protect the tooth between appointments.

Step 6

Restoration

During the final visit, the temporary filling is removed, and the dentist will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.

While the process might seem daunting, with modern techniques and anesthesia, a root canal is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. It’s a highly effective way to relieve severe tooth pain and save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.

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To schedule an appointment with Dr. Loveless, please call Loveless today. Our office proudly serves patients from West Lake Hills, Lakeway and throughout the Austin area.

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