Root canal and filling
The tooth is cleaned and sealed, then restored with a filling when enough healthy structure remains.
Root canal treatment in Commerce and Paris, TX
When the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes infected or badly inflamed, it can cause lingering pain, swelling or an abscess. Root canal treatment removes the damaged tissue, cleans and seals the inside of the tooth and stops the infection from spreading. Root canal therapy is part of Dr. Tarun Mundluru's clinical work at our Commerce and Paris offices.
About Root Canal Therapy
Inside every tooth is the pulp, a soft tissue with nerves and blood vessels that runs through narrow canals in the roots. Root canal therapy removes infected or inflamed pulp, cleans and disinfects the canals, and fills and seals them. Many teeth, especially back teeth, need a crown afterward to protect them from breaking.
Signs you may need a root canal
- Lingering pain to hot or cold after the source is removed
- Throbbing or severe toothache, especially when biting
- Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth
- A tooth that has darkened after an injury
- Deep decay or a crack that reaches the inside of the tooth
Treatment options
Root canal and crown
Back teeth and heavily damaged teeth usually need a crown after treatment to protect them.
Extraction
If the tooth cannot be saved, removing it is an option, followed by an implant, bridge or partial denture to fill the gap.
What to expect
- 1
Diagnosis
An exam and X-rays show whether the pulp is infected or inflamed and whether the tooth can be saved.
- 2
Numb the tooth
Local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
- 3
Clean and seal
The infected tissue is removed, and the canals are cleaned, shaped, disinfected and sealed.
- 4
Restore the tooth
A filling or crown is placed so you can chew normally again. Some teeth need a second visit.
Benefits
- Lets you keep your natural tooth
- Relieves pain caused by infection
- Stops infection from spreading
- Avoids the gap and costs that come with replacing a tooth
Risks and limitations
- The tooth may be tender for a few days after treatment
- A treated tooth can become brittle and may need a crown to prevent fractures
- Some teeth have complex canals or cracks, and in a small number of cases treatment does not fully clear the infection
- If infection returns, retreatment or extraction may be needed
Recovery and aftercare
- Avoid chewing on the tooth until it is fully restored with a filling or crown
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed for tenderness
- Call the office if you have swelling, severe pain or a loose temporary filling
- Keep brushing, flossing and regular checkups
Offices offering Root Canal Therapy
Call the office you plan to visit to confirm scheduling and availability.
Frequently asked questions
Does a root canal hurt?
The tooth is numbed first, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during treatment. Tenderness for a few days afterward is common and usually responds to over-the-counter pain relievers.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth often need a crown because they take heavy chewing forces and can become brittle after treatment. Your dentist tells you whether your tooth needs one.
Is it better to just pull the tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth is usually preferred when it can be saved. If a tooth is removed, the gap may need an implant, bridge or partial denture to keep nearby teeth from shifting.
Which offices offer root canal treatment?
Root canal therapy is part of Dr. Tarun Mundluru's clinical work at our Commerce and Paris offices. Call your nearest office to ask about root canal care there.
Related services
Dental Crowns
A crown covers and protects a tooth that is too damaged or weak for a filling alone.
Dental Abscess & Infection
An abscess is a pocket of infection that needs dental treatment and will not clear up on its own.
Severe Toothache
Strong or lingering tooth pain is a sign that something needs attention.
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth cannot be saved, a careful extraction protects your health and prepares you for what comes next.
Ready to book?
¡Hablamos Español! Spanish-speaking front desk and dental assistants at every office.
¡Hablamos Español!Spanish-speaking front desk & dental assistants