Are you trying to get the best root canal in San Marcos, Texas? Look no further! At AquaSprings Dental, we think you look better with a healthy smile. Our trained experts -Dr. Alexandra Aponte, Dr. Cohl Brazil, and Dr. Maheen Khalid- have a ton of experience that can turn even the most infected tooth into a pearly-white gem. Set an appointment with these modern-day Super Heroes, or visit our dental office to learn more about Root Canals in San Marcos.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes the infected “soft center” of the tooth, known as the pulp. This “pulp” is a network of nerves, connective tissue, and blood tissue that runs deep into the roots. The pulp is essential to each tooth’s growth and development when we’re young. As an adult, however, it’s no longer necessary (as each tooth still gains nutrients from neighboring teeth).
A root canal at AquaSprings is like eating a Happy Meal- easy peasy. Our selected experts will drill into the infected tooth and remove all toxic fluids. Once cleaned and disinfected, our dentists will fill your tooth canal with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. We’ll top the filling off with a brand new crown like the King/Queen you are.
When do I Need a Root Canal?
Here are a few symptoms that link directly with an infected tooth:
- Sensitivity to hot/cold foods (and lingering temperature sensation even after the food is gone)
- Chipped and cracked teeth. Broken teeth can result from hard foods, extreme sports, or previous dental procedures. Chipped are big red flags, exposing the tooth’s pulp to germs. Once infection enters the pulp, it spreads through the network of veins down to the root.
- A swollen gum. If swollen, inflamed, painful, or if the gums have bumps on them- an infection has taken place and must be removed.
- Discolored teeth. A few things can cause discolored teeth (poor hygiene, food that stains, nerve infections, etc.) Check with our expert dentists to determine why your teeth are discolored and if it’s dangerous.
- Persistent toothache. It’s no walk in the park having a toothache. Whether it’s a continuous throb or sudden spikes when eating, it’s never a good sign.
If any of these symptoms look familiar, don’t wait! Don’t let the problem worsen. Our dentists at San Marcos have the tools (and expertise!) to keep your smile bright and healthy.
What are the Four Stages of Root Canal Treatment?
The four steps are our “secret sauce” that keeps our reviews high. The magic of our root canals in San Marcos looks something like this:
- The Diagnosis. Think you have a toothache? Let’s have a check! Whatever it is, AquaSprings Dental has a plan for you. With our fancy X-rays and digital imaging, we’ll see what’s happening inside your teeth. Once we locate an infection, we’ll diagnose the problem and take you to the next step.
- Remove the Infected Pulp. Our dentist will drill a small opening directly into the ‘pulp’ (soft tissue) of the tooth. We’ll remove the infected area quickly and easily. And yes, you won’t feel a thing! Once empty, the cavity will be cleaned and sanitized.
- Fill the Root Canal. It’s time to fill your tooth with a healthy, effective new root filler. This new filling will prevent further infection and strengthen your tooth’s structure. We’ll seal the area with a special adhesive and place a temporary filling at the top.
- Tooth Restored! After a few weeks, our dentists will welcome you back to finish the procedure. We’ll replace the initial filling with a new, permanent crown. No matter which dentist treats you -Dr. Aponte, Dr. Brazil, or Dr. Khalid- your smile will be whiter (and less painful!) than ever before.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Root canal treatment depends on a few variables:
- The type of tooth.
- The number of root canals needed.
- The seriousness of the infection.
Certain teeth, such as incisors, canines, and some premolars, only have one root. Molars, however, are in the back of the mouth and have up to three roots. Each tooth is different, and so is the procedure!
Expect 30-60 minutes for a root canal. Not bad! Generally, you’ll be back in 1-3 weeks for the second (and final) appointment. Here, we’ll confirm the infection is long-gone and replace the temporary cap with a permanent seal. As always, we’ll make sure the procedure is as fast and effective as possible.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
No! While considered a serious medical procedure, the process itself is painless. Dr. Aponte, Dr. Brazil, or Dr. Khalid will ensure the treatment area is 100% numb with the highest quality of anesthetic available. To top it off, he’ll use a numbing needle to seal the deal.
If there’s mild pain or discomfort afterward, don’t fret! It’s completely normal. Give your body time to adjust. After a few days, you’ll feel like dancing in the rain.
Are Root Canals Safe?
Yes! Dentists perform over 15 million root canals each year. We do root canals daily right here in San Marcos, Texas.
Still not sure? Call our professionals and find out for yourself.
What are the Advantages of Having a Root Canal Procedure?
Root canals are a last-ditch effort to save the natural tooth. Even if considered ‘dead,’ root canals are more affordable than extracting the tooth and getting a replacement. The pros are numerous:
- Prevent tooth loss.
- Stops the infection from spreading.
- Prevent jawbone decay.
- Improve oral health.
Root Canals VS. Implants
The choice between saving and replacing a tooth is daring to some. With pros and cons to both, remember the essentials:
Implants are more expensive and invasive to the mouth. However, they are incredibly sturdy and realistic-looking. We recommend implants for patients with severely damaged teeth. In these instances, removing the tooth is more effective than trying to save it. Bridge implants are also available if you choose to get the entire tooth removed.
On the other hand, root canals are much more common, affordable, and keep the original tooth in place. Root canals are also noninvasive, preventing more severe problems down the line.
How Common is Root Canal Therapy?
If you need this procedure, you’re not alone! Root canal therapy is more widespread than you may think. The average dentist performs up to 25 root canals weekly.
How Long Does it Take for a Root Canal to Recover?
Most of our patients will feel great within 24-48 hours! Depending on the scale of the procedure, it may be a little longer or shorter. Applying an ice pack to the jaw will reduce pain and aid healing.
If, after a few days, you exhibit the following symptoms, contact us:
- Uncomfortable chewing.
- Constant swelling.
- The temporary filling comes out.
- Throbbing pain.
While such instances are rare, our dentists trained their whole lives for the worst. We’ll get you feeling awesome faster than you can say “root canal.”
Book a Dental Appointment in San Marcos, Texas.
Call our excellent dentists at 512-399-0334 or say “Hi” in our beautiful office! We’ve been cleaning teeth for decades and love what we do. No matter the problem, we share the same goal: to keep you (and your smile!) feeling healthy and bright.