4550 Eldorado Pkwy, Suite 107, McKinney, TX
Saving Teeth. Relieving Pain. Setting the Record Straight.
Root canal therapy has an outdated reputation, but modern treatment is far more comfortable than most people expect. What is far more uncomfortable is leaving an infected tooth untreated.
At West McKinney Dental & Orthodontics, our team performs root canal therapy with precision, care, and a genuine focus on keeping you comfortable from start to finish. We explain exactly what we are doing and why, move at a pace that works for you, and make sure you leave with a tooth that is saved, a pain level that is resolved, and a clear plan for protecting that tooth long-term.
If you have been told you need a root canal, or if you have a tooth that has been causing significant pain or sensitivity, do not wait. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.
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What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes infected, inflamed, or dead tissue from inside a tooth in order to eliminate the source of infection, relieve pain, and save the tooth from extraction.
To understand why the procedure is necessary, it helps to understand the anatomy of a tooth. Beneath the hard outer enamel and the layer of dentin underneath it lies the pulp — the soft inner tissue of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp runs through canals that extend from the crown of the tooth down through the roots and into the surrounding bone.
When bacteria penetrate the outer layers of a tooth deeply enough to reach the pulp — through a cavity, a crack, a fracture, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth — the pulp becomes infected or inflamed. Left untreated, the infection spreads. It travels through the root canals and into the surrounding bone, forming an abscess, destroying tissue, and putting the tooth at serious risk of being lost entirely.
Root canal therapy removes the compromised pulp tissue, cleans and shapes the canals, and seals the interior of the tooth to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then restored with a crown to protect the now-brittle structure and allow it to function normally for many years to come.
What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy at West McKinney Dental & Orthodontics is typically completed in one to two appointments depending on the complexity of the case. Here is a step-by-step look at exactly what the procedure involves:
01.
Evaluation and Treatment Planning
Our team examines the tooth with a clinical evaluation and X-rays to assess the infection, surrounding bone, and root structure. We explain our findings, confirm that root canal therapy is the right treatment, and answer any questions before we begin.
02.
Numbing and Preparing the Tooth
Local anesthesia is used to keep the area completely comfortable. Once the tooth is numb, we isolate it and create a small opening to access the infected pulp inside.
03.
Removing Infection and Cleaning the Canals
The infected or damaged pulp tissue is carefully removed from inside the tooth and root canals. The canals are then thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to prepare them for sealing.
04.
Filling and Sealing the Tooth
Once the canals are clean, they are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to help prevent future infection. The access opening is then closed with a filling material.
05.
Protecting the Tooth
In many cases, a dental crown is recommended to strengthen and protect the treated tooth, restoring its full function and appearance for the long term.
How Successful Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy has a very high success rate — studies consistently show success rates of 85 to 97 percent for properly performed procedures followed by appropriate restoration. Many teeth treated with root canal therapy last a lifetime with proper care.
The long-term outcome of a root canal depends on several factors:
- The severity of the infection and the condition of the tooth at the time of treatment
- The complexity of the root canal system, as some teeth have more canals or unusual canal shapes than others
- Timely placement of the crown following treatment
- Consistent oral hygiene and routine dental care going forward
Our team will always give you an honest assessment of the prognosis for a specific tooth before beginning treatment. If the tooth is too compromised to be predictably restored, we will tell you that upfront and discuss alternative options rather than recommending treatment that is unlikely to succeed long-term.
Do Not Let Tooth Pain Wait Another Day
A toothache severe enough to consider a root canal is a sign that something needs attention now. The longer an infection is left untreated, the more it spreads — and the more complicated treatment becomes. Our team is here to take care of you, keep you comfortable throughout the process, and save your tooth whenever saving it is possible.
New patients welcome. Same-day appointments available for dental pain when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do root canals hurt?
This is the most common question we hear, and the honest answer is no. Modern root canal therapy is performed under thorough local anesthesia and most patients report that the procedure itself feels no different from getting a filling. What hurts is the infected tooth before treatment — root canal therapy relieves that pain, it does not cause it. Some mild soreness in the area after the anesthesia wears off is normal, but it is typically far less than the pain patients were experiencing before treatment.
Q. How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in one appointment of 60 to 90 minutes, though complex cases or teeth with multiple canals may require a second visit. Our team will give you a realistic time estimate based on the specific tooth and the findings from your evaluation.
Q. How long does it take to recover after a root canal?
Most patients feel significantly better within one to two days following treatment. The infected tooth pain resolves quickly once the source is removed. Mild soreness in the treated area typically fades within three to five days. Full healing of the surrounding bone and tissue takes longer but does not affect your day-to-day comfort.
Q. Do I really need a crown after a root canal?
In most cases, yes. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth loses the internal moisture and nourishment that kept it flexible. It becomes significantly more brittle and is at real risk of fracturing under normal chewing forces without the protection a crown provides. Skipping the crown is one of the most common reasons root canal-treated teeth eventually fail. Our team will discuss whether a crown is necessary for your specific tooth before you leave your treatment appointment.
Q. Can a root canal fail?
Root canal therapy is highly successful but not guaranteed in every case. Treatment can occasionally fall short if there are additional canals that were not identified and treated, if the seal placed after treatment breaks down over time, or if the tooth is reinfected through a failing crown or recurrent decay. In some cases, a procedure called retreatment can address a failed root canal. Our team monitors all treated teeth at routine exams to catch any signs of reinfection early.
Q. What if I need a root canal but am nervous about it?
That is completely understandable and very common. Let our team know when you call and when you arrive. We take dental anxiety seriously, explain every step before we do it, move at a pace you are comfortable with, and check in with you throughout the procedure. Most patients tell us the experience was far easier than they expected. If anxiety is a significant concern, ask about what comfort options we have available when you book your appointment.
Q. Is it normal for the tooth to feel different after a root canal?
Yes. It is common for a root canal-treated tooth to feel slightly different from surrounding teeth for a period of time during healing. It may feel mildly tender to biting pressure or temperature for a few weeks. This typically resolves on its own. A tooth that feels significantly painful, noticeably loose, or causes swelling after treatment should be evaluated promptly.
Q. Can I drive myself home after a root canal?
Yes, if only local anesthesia was used. The numbness will wear off within a couple of hours and does not affect your ability to drive. If sedation was involved, you will need someone to drive you home. Our team will confirm what applies to your situation in advance.
Q. What causes a tooth to need a root canal?
The most common causes are deep decay that has reached the pulp, a crack or fracture that allows bacteria to penetrate the inner tooth, trauma to a tooth that damages or kills the pulp tissue, and repeated dental procedures on a single tooth that collectively irritate the pulp over time. In some cases, there is no single identifiable cause.
Q. Will the tooth look different after a root canal?
The root canal procedure itself does not change the appearance of the tooth. However, root canal-treated teeth can darken over time as the internal structure changes. A crown placed after treatment covers the tooth completely, which addresses any discoloration for front teeth. For back teeth where appearance is less of a concern, this is rarely an issue. If a front tooth shows discoloration before a crown is placed, our team will discuss the best approach for managing it.