Root Canal Therapy

Saving a Tooth Affected by Infection

When the inner portion of a tooth becomes infected, it can lead to significant pain and swelling. This typically happens when decay, cracks, or injury allow bacteria to reach the tooth’s pulp. Root canal therapy is designed to remove the infection while preserving your natural tooth.

Rather than extracting the tooth, this treatment carefully cleans out the infected tissue and seals the tooth to prevent future issues. Root canal therapy helps relieve discomfort, restore function, and maintain the natural look of your smile. At Element Dental & Orthodontics Humble, we use root canal treatment to protect your teeth and keep your smile healthy.

Schedule Your Dental Evaluation

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a restorative procedure used to treat infection inside a tooth. The inner chamber of the tooth contains soft tissue known as pulp, which can become infected due to deep decay or injury.

During treatment, the infected pulp is removed and the inner canals of the tooth are carefully cleaned and sealed. This helps eliminate bacteria and protect the tooth from further damage. Root canal therapy allows many patients to keep their natural teeth rather than removing them.

Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy

Tooth infections often produce noticeable symptoms, although some cases may not cause immediate pain.

Common signs include:

  • Persistent tooth pain
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
  • Swelling around the gums
  • Darkening of a tooth
  • Pain when chewing or biting
  • A small bump on the gums near the tooth

The Root Canal Treatment Process

Root canal therapy is performed in several steps to remove infection and restore the tooth.
Examination and Imaging
The tooth is evaluated and diagnostic imaging is used to assess the infection.

1

Numbing the Area
Local anesthesia is used to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure.

2

Removing Infected Pulp
The infected tissue inside the tooth is carefully removed.

3

Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
The inner canals are cleaned and prepared for sealing.

4

Sealing the Tooth
The canals are sealed to prevent bacteria from re-entering.

5

Preserve Your Natural Tooth With Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy allows infected teeth to be treated while preserving their structure. By removing infection and sealing the tooth, this treatment helps restore comfort and protect oral health.

At Element Dental & Orthodontics Humble, root canal therapy is performed to relieve pain and help patients keep their natural teeth whenever possible.

Book Your Root Canal Consultation

FAQs About Root Canal Therapy

Is root canal therapy painful?
Modern root canal therapy is performed using local anesthesia to keep patients comfortable. Most people report that the procedure feels similar to receiving a dental filling.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
The treatment usually takes one or two visits depending on the condition of the tooth and the extent of infection.
Can a tooth survive after a root canal?
Yes. A tooth that receives root canal therapy can function normally for many years when properly restored and maintained.
Why is a crown sometimes needed after a root canal?
A crown protects the treated tooth and restores its strength, especially if the tooth has lost significant structure.
What happens if an infected tooth is not treated?
Untreated infection can spread to surrounding tissues and may lead to increased pain, swelling, or tooth loss.
How long does recovery take after a root canal?
Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Mild sensitivity may occur for a few days while the surrounding tissues heal.

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!

Request an Appointment
281.973.0711