Root Canals in Humble, TX

Advanced care to relieve tooth pain and protect your natural smile

What is an endodontic treatment?

“Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth. Root canal treatment is one type of endodontic treatment.

To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.

The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth’s growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

Step-by-Step Endodontic Procedure

Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:

1. The endodontist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, the endodontist places a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.

2. The endodontist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.

3. After the space is cleaned and shaped, the endodontist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.

4. After the final visit with your endodontist, you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.

If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold the restoration in place, your dentist or endodontist may place a post inside the tooth. Ask your dentist or endodontist for more details about the specific restoration planned for your tooth.

Common Questions

Endodontic Treatment FAQs

Why would I need an endodontic procedure?

A: Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?

A: The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the root canal, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?

A: Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gum tissues. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms.

Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?

A: Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.

For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your endodontist’s instructions carefully.

Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your endodontist.

What our clients say about us

Real reviews from Lake Houston Endodontics patients. See why families across the area trust Lake Houston with their smiles.

    
 
 
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   Sabrina Salazar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great and clean place. Dr.Gaitan is an amazing doctor. He’s super nice and cares for his patients. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
  
 
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   Abigail Simien 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Will refer family and friends procedure went super well I was scared and I was seen on time and out in 1 hour Doc  Gaitan was kind and cosiderate.
  
 
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   Julie Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We love coming here! All the workers are very kind and friendly! Dr. Lauren is amazing! She always comes in with a smile and makes me feel welcome! I am so excited to get my braces on soon and get to have lots of visits here! My sister got her braces here and her teeth are shining and very straight!
- Blair
12 years old!!
  
 
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   Stephanie Bodiford 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am astonished at the low reviews. My experience at this dental office was top tier. I am a former dental assistant and this is the BEST experience at a dental office I have ever had. The technology is modern, the office was beautiful, clean, and made me feel comfortable. His assistant answered all of my questions and told me what to expect. The doctor himself, Dr. Gaitan was extremely professional and careful. I didn't even feel the shots in my gums to numb! He used a latex cover that prevented pieces of the tooth from falling into my mouth which often happens during dental procedures. He and his assistant worked so efficiently together they didn't even need to speak to each other. Quick, painless and professional. If I ever need another root canal I will return 100%. I wish all of my dental experiences were like this.
  
 
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   Tina Sartor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice dr and staff. Was very gentle and explained everything great.
  
 
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   Leo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were referred here for a root canal, maybe two. Pleasant staff and happy over all. The doctor explained everything during the consultation and we talked over some questions. The assistants and office staff were great. The office was accommodating as we needed nitrous for the visit. I have no idea about why some of the reviews are way off about this place. Also, all “paperwork” is digital, which is a nice change.
  
 
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   Bradley Davis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Gaitan was exceptional. I was very nervous (as always when going to dentist 😬) and Dr. Gaitan was very professional with great bedside manners, which helped ease my nerves. His assistant was also great. Big thank you to Lake Houston Endodontics!

Root Canals in Humble, TX

What is an endodontic treatment?

Step-by-Step Endodontic Procedure

Common Questions

Endodontic Treatment FAQs

What our clients say about us

Experience The Lake Houston Endodontics Difference

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