Stop the Pain and Keep Your Natural Tooth
A deep infection inside a tooth rarely goes away on its own, and waiting usually makes it worse. At Swinney Morton Dental in Tyler, TX , we perform root canal therapy to remove infected tissue, relieve your pain and save the tooth so you can keep chewing and smiling comfortably.
Request an AppointmentWhy a Root Canal Becomes Necessary
Root canals are needed when decay and bacteria spread for too long without treatment. At a certain point, the decay reaches the pulp inside the tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, so an infection there often causes significant pain. Because the damage happens on the inside of the tooth, you may not be able to see it. A deep crack, a chip or an injury can also let bacteria reach the pulp.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- Persistent or throbbing tooth pain, especially when you bite or chew
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold after the temperature is gone
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Bleeding around the affected tooth
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that does not go away
- A tooth that looks darker than the teeth around it
Some infected teeth cause no pain at all, which is one reason regular exams matter. If you have any of these symptoms, call us right away. Severe pain or facial swelling may need emergency dental care.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Evaluation: We examine the tooth, review your symptoms and take X-rays to see how far the infection has spread.
- Numbing: The area is numbed so you stay comfortable throughout the procedure. If dental visits make you anxious, ask us about nitrous oxide.
- Cleaning: We make a small opening in the tooth, remove the infected pulp and carefully clean the inside of the root canals.
- Sealing: The cleaned space is filled and sealed to keep bacteria out.
- Restoration: A filling or a porcelain crown is placed to protect the tooth and restore its strength and appearance.
Caring for Your Tooth Afterward
Mild soreness for a few days is normal and usually responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has its final restoration, and keep brushing and flossing as usual. With good home care and regular checkups, a tooth that has had a root canal can last for many years.
Root Canal Questions Our Tyler Patients Ask
Is a root canal painful?
The infection causes the pain, not the treatment. We numb the area before we begin, so most patients say the procedure feels similar to getting a filling. Most people feel relief once the infected tissue is removed.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs include lingering tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, swollen gums, a darkened tooth and a persistent bad taste. Only an exam and X-rays can confirm whether the pulp is infected, so call us if you notice any of these symptoms.
Why not just pull the tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth is usually the better option. It helps you chew normally, keeps neighboring teeth from shifting and supports your jawbone. If a tooth cannot be saved, we also offer extractions and tooth replacement options.
How long does a root canal take?
Many root canals are completed in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and how severe the infection is. We will explain what to expect for your situation at your appointment.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes, especially for back teeth that handle heavy chewing. A crown protects the treated tooth from cracking and restores its function. We will recommend the right restoration after evaluating your tooth.
What can I eat after a root canal?
Stick to softer foods for the first day or two and avoid chewing on the treated side until your final restoration is in place. Avoid very hot, hard or sticky foods while the area is sore.
What happens if I put off a root canal?
An untreated infection can spread to the surrounding bone and gums, form an abscess and lead to tooth loss. Prompt treatment protects your health and usually makes the procedure simpler.
Don’t Wait on Tooth Pain
If you have a toothache, swelling or sensitivity that won’t go away, the team at Swinney Morton Dental is here to help. Call us at (903) 597-7721 or request a visit online and let us take care of your smile.