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Root Canal

Gateway Dental

General Dentists located in Colleyville, TX

Root canals are still the leading way to preserve your tooth, and over 15 million are performed annually in the United States, the American Association of Endodontists reports. The specialized team of dental surgeons at Gateway Dental -- led by Patricia Calabria, DDS and Andre Ellis, DDS -- offer modern root canal procedures in Colleyville, Texas. If you have a severe toothache or know you need a root canal, schedule your exam by calling the clinic.

Root Canal Q & A

Why do I need a root canal?

A root canal is usually the best dental procedure for preserving your tooth. You might need a root canal if you’ve experienced any of the following:

  • Multiple treatments on the same tooth
  • Deep decay in the center of your tooth
  • A broken or fractured tooth
  • Tooth trauma

A root canal involves removing any decay, cleaning out the pulp chamber, and sealing the chamber from bacteria. This procedure lets you keep your tooth and restores its health.

How many root canal appointment do I need?

Most men and women require up to three visits to complete the entire root canal procedure, from consultation to crown. The helpful Gateway Dental team indicates approximately how many appointments to expect during your initial evaluation.

To begin, your dental surgeon makes a small hole through the top of your tooth and into the inner chamber. They carefully remove diseased tissue and spend time cleaning and disinfecting the inner chamber.

After reshaping the inside of your tooth, they place a specialized elastic material into the opening, along with medication to prevent future infection. This process is completed during your first or second visit.

You might receive a temporary crown to cover your tooth while your permanent crown is fabricated, or you could get a permanent crown the same day. If you must wait for your crown, the team schedules another visit for permanent placement.

Why do I need a crown after a root canal?

Because the root canal process removes the “life support system” from your tooth, it can become brittle and fracture. A crown protects your tooth by decreasing the risk of chips and breaks.

Does it hurt to get a root canal?

Modern root canal treatments are significantly less traumatic than years ago. To ensure you experience little to no discomfort, your dental surgeon at Gateway Dental administers a local anesthetic. The compassionate team offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas).

Sedation helps you relax and get comfortable in the dental chair, so you there’s no need to worry about pain or discomfort. After sedation, some men and women either fall asleep or have no recollection of their root canal treatment.

Schedule your exam at Gateway Dental to determine if your tooth requires a root canal. Schedule your appointment by calling the clinic.