Root Canal Therapy
Save Your Tooth, Relieve Your Pain
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity, or swelling around a tooth, you might need root canal therapy. At Citrus Smiles Dental Studio, Dr. Aurora and our skilled team use advanced techniques and modern technology to provide comfortable, effective root canal treatment that saves your natural tooth and eliminates discomfort.
Root canal therapy has an unfair reputation for being painful, but the truth is quite different. Modern root canal procedures are no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling. The real pain comes from the infected or damaged tooth itself—and root canal therapy is what relieves that pain while preserving your smile.
We serve patients throughout Irving, Murphy, Wylie, Heath, and Lucas with gentle, precise dental care in a welcoming environment. If you’re dealing with persistent tooth pain or suspect you need a root canal, don’t wait. Call our Texas dentists near youtoday to schedule your consultation.
Why Choose Citrus Smiles for Root Canal Therapy
When you need root canal treatment, you want a team you can trust. At Citrus Smiles, our patients consistently praise the compassionate care and expert treatment they receive, even during unexpected dental emergencies.
What Our Patients Say:
- Alexa Metzshared her experience after an unexpected root canal: “The entire staff was so kind and welcoming! Brooke really helped me out with all things payment! I’m so grateful for the doctor and just everyone who helped me out today. Such great people who really have a passion for what they do.”
- Sabuson Georgewas equally impressed with the level of care received: “Dr. Vidhi Shah is a gem of a dentist. She’s very professional, competent in her work and took the time to patiently check frequently on the accuracy of the work and your level of comfort. This is the first time I had a root canal procedure that didn’t bother me afterwards.”
At Citrus Smiles, we combine clinical excellence with genuine compassion to ensure your root canal experience is as comfortable as possible. Our team is dedicated to making even unexpected dental procedures stress-free, from the initial consultation through payment and follow-up care.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapyis a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside a tooth’s root canals. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help the tooth develop, but once a tooth is fully mature, it can survive without the pulp. During endodontic treatment, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the canal system, then seals it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to prevent reinfection. A tooth fillingor dental crownis then placed to restore the tooth’s function and protect it from further damage.
Types of Root Canal Therapy
Different situations call for different approaches to root canal treatment.
- Standard root canal: The most common procedure for treating infected or inflamed pulp in a single tooth, typically completed in one appointment
- Anterior root canal: Treatment for front teeth, which usually have just one canal and are often simpler and faster to treat
- Molar root canal: More complex procedures for back teeth that may have three or four canals, requiring careful navigation
- Retreatment: When a previous root canal fails or becomes reinfected, requiring removal of the old filling material and re-treatment of the canals
- Apicoectomy: A surgical procedure that removes the tip of the tooth root when infection persists after standard root canal therapy
- Pulpotomy: Partial pulp removal, sometimes used as a temporary measure or in specific clinical situations
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Choosing root canal therapy over extraction offers significant advantages for your oral health and overall well-being.
- Preserves your natural toothand maintains the integrity of your bite, preventing neighboring teeth from shifting out of position
- Eliminates severe paincaused by infection or inflammation, often providing immediate relief within hours of the procedure
- More cost-effective in the long termthan tooth extractionfollowed by dental implantor dental bridgeplacement to replace the missing tooth
- Maintains natural chewing efficiencyso you can continue eating your favorite foods without limitations or discomfort
- Prevents jawbone lossthat occurs when teeth are extracted, helping maintain your facial structure and appearance
- Quick recovery timewith most patients returning to normal activities the same day or within 24 hours
- High success ratewith properly treated teeth lasting a lifetime when paired with good oral hygiene and regular dental care
- Avoids the need for prostheticslike implants or bridges, keeping your smile completely natural
Who Is a Good Candidate for Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal treatment may be right for you if you’re experiencing certain symptoms or have specific dental conditions.
Severe, persistent tooth pain that worsens when biting down or applying pressure to the affected tooth- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers even after the stimulus is removed
- Visible discoloration or darkening of a tooth, which can indicate pulp death or internal damage
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding a specific tooth, sometimes accompanied by a small bump
- A chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth that has exposed the inner pulp chamber to bacteria
- Deep decay that has penetrated through the enamel and dentin layers to reach the pulp tissue
- Previous dental trauma or injury that may have damaged the tooth’s internal structures over time
Severe, persistent tooth pain that worsens when biting down or applying pressure to the affected toothOur Testimonials
We Love Our Patients, and They Love Us!
I had my first visit here recently and I highly recommend it! Everyone is so friendly and they explain everything from start to finish. Eman really helped me understand payment and treatment plan. So glad to have finally found a place after looking for someone new for YEARS!!!
~ Larissa Faulkner
Murphy
I had my first visit 10/27 Friday. I would first like to say that I was throughly impressed with the knowledgeable of the Dr and all his staff. They were so friendly & made me comfortable during my exam. Thank you all for being such great help. Sincerely Charlotte Johnson.
~ Charlotte
Murphy
I came in last week to have multiple tooth extractions. Dr.Kylie was amazing as well as the dental assistant. They were so patient and kind. They try their absolute best to make you comfortable and answer any questions you have. 10/10 recommend
~ Sydney Bong
Wylie
The Doctor and Staff who helped my son were exceptional. We had a dental emergency and they worked him in and were truly wonderful. At a time in need they really came through and were gentle and comforting. We couldn't of had a better experience!!.
~ Samwise
Wylie
I am very pleased with the overall care from Dr. and her staff. They are professional and educated me on what my procedure was going to be for the day and did an excellent job throughout the process. I highly recommend them to anyone!
~ Gale Wilson
Heath
Happy I found this provider! Beginning with the receptionist, the office is warm and inviting! My hygienist was personable, and I received such a great cleaning. The dentist was friendly and knowledgeable. Found the best place for my family’s dental care!
~ J E
Heath
The Root Canal Therapy Process at Citrus Smiles Dental Studio
Understanding what happens during your appointment can help ease any concerns about the procedure.
1. Examination and Diagnosis
Dr. Aurora will examine your tooth, review your symptoms, and take digital X-rays to assess the extent of infection or damage. This imaging helps us visualize the tooth’s internal structure and plan the most effective treatment approach.
2. Anesthesia and Comfort Measures
We administer local anesthesia to completely numb the area around the affected tooth. You won’t feel pain during the procedure—just pressure and movement as we work. For patients with anxiety or longer treatments, dental sedation optionsare offered by our Texas dentists.
3. Access Opening
A small opening is carefully drilled through the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. This opening is only as large as necessary to complete the treatment.
4. Pulp Removal and Cleaning
Using specialized instruments, we remove all infected or damaged pulp tissue from the chamber and canals. Each canal is then thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate bacteria.
5. Canal Filling
The cleaned canals are filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible rubber-like material that seals the space and prevents future infection. This material is placed in layers to ensure complete filling of the root canal system.
6. Sealing the Access Opening
After filling the canals, we seal the small access opening at the top of your tooth with either a permanent or temporary filling material. This protects the treated canals while your tooth heals. In most cases, we recommend placing a crown over the tooth during a follow-up visit to provide maximum protection and restore full function.
Caring for Your Root Canal Results
Proper aftercare ensures your treated tooth heals well and lasts for years to come.
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to manage any mild soreness during the first 24 to 48 hours
- Avoid chewing on the treated side until the permanent restoration is placed and any numbness has completely worn off
- Stick to soft foods for the first few days, then gradually return to your normal diet as comfort allows
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing around the treated tooth to prevent future problems
- Attend your follow-up appointment for crown placement or final restoration to protect the tooth from fracture
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleaningsso we can monitor the treated tooth and catch any issues early
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or other extremely hard foods that could damage the restored tooth
Ready to relieve your tooth pain and save your smile? Our dental team at Citrus Smiles Dental Studio is here to help with gentle, effective root canal therapy.
Cost & Financing for Root Canal Therapy
The cost of root canal therapy varies depending on which tooth needs treatment and the complexity of your case. Front teeth with single canals typically cost less than molars with multiple canals. Most dental insurance planscover a significant portion of root canal therapy since it’s considered a necessary restorative procedure.
- Root canal therapy generally ranges from $700 to $1,500, depending on tooth location and treatment complexity
- Additional costs for the final crown restoration typically range from $800 to $1,500
- Insurance coverage often pays 50% to 80% of the procedure cost after your deductible is met
- We accept multiple payment options, including CareCreditand other financing plans with affordable monthly payments
- Our team will provide a detailed cost estimate and verify your insurance benefits before beginning treatment
Root Canal Considerations & Alternatives
While root canal therapy has a high success rate, it’s important to understand the realistic outcomes and other options available to you. The procedure saves your natural tooth, but the tooth becomes more brittle over time without its blood supply, which is why we strongly recommend a crown for protection. In rare cases, the infection may persist, or the tooth may develop a crack that prevents successful treatment.
Common Alternatives
- Tooth extractionfollowed by a dental implant, which provides a permanent replacement, but requires surgery and several months of healing
- No treatmentif you choose to wait, though this allows the infection to worsen, spreading to adjacent teeth and soft tissue. This may lead to gum disease, abscess formation, or tooth loss.
Possible Side Effects and Complications
- Temporary soreness or sensitivityin the treated tooth for several days after the procedure, manageable with over-the-counter pain medication
- Root canal infectionif bacteria enter the sealed canal system, though this is rare with proper technique and restoration
- Slight discolorationof the infected tooth over time, which can be addressed with whitening or a crown if cosmetically concerning
- Incomplete healingrequiring retreatment occurs in less than 5% of properly performed root canals
- Instrument separationinside the canal during treatment, which usually doesn’t affect the outcome, but may complicate the procedure
- Missed canalsin teeth with complex anatomy, which can allow infection to persist
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal really as painful as people say?
No, this is a common misconception. Modern root canal therapy is performed with local anesthetic and is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The pain you feel before treatment comes from a deep cavity reaching the tooth pulp, and the root canal actually eliminates that pain.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canal procedures take between 60 and 90 minutes to complete. Front teeth with single canals may take less time, while molars with multiple canals might require a longer appointment or occasionally a second visit for complex cases.
Will I need time off work after my root canal?
Most patients return to work or normal activities the same day or the next day. You’ll experience some numbness for a few hours after the procedure, and mild soreness for a day or two, but nothing that typically requires extended time off.
Do I really need a crown after a root canal?
We strongly recommend crowns for root canal-treated teeth, especially molars and premolars that handle significant chewing force. Without its internal blood supply, the tooth becomes brittle and more prone to fracture. A crown protects the tooth and helps it last much longer.
Can a tooth that had a root canal get infected again?
While uncommon, reinfection can occur if bacteria enter through a crack, if the seal breaks down over time, or if the canals weren’t completely cleaned during the initial procedure. This is why proper restoration with a crown and good oral hygiene are so important.
Does insurance cover root canal therapy?
Most dental insurance plans cover root canal therapy at 50% to 80% after you meet your deductible, since it’s considered a necessary procedure rather than cosmetic treatment. Our office will verify your benefits and provide a cost estimate before we begin treatment.
Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation Today
Don’t let tooth pain control your life. At Citrus Smiles Dental Studio, Dr. Aurora and our compassionate Texas dental teamprovide gentle, effective root canal therapy that saves your natural tooth and restores your comfort. We use the latest technology and proven techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Wherever you are in Texas, we’re here to help you maintain a healthy, complete smile. Call us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief from tooth pain. Murphy: (972) 472-8862| Wylie: (972) 474-3849| Heath: (972) 433-6500| Lucas: (214) 785-8271| Irving: (469) 845-9855