Root Canals in Austin, TX

You’re enjoying a bite of something cold or maybe sipping a hot coffee when it hits—a sharp, unexpected pain deep inside your tooth. It doesn’t go away, and in fact, it seems to get worse by the day. Sound familiar? If you're dealing with tooth pain that just won’t quit, you might be facing a tooth infection or a very deep cavity. At Alta Dental, we help patients get relief with gentle root canals in Austin. Our goal is to save your natural tooth, stop the pain, and restore your smile comfortably.

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What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment that’s used to save a tooth that’s badly decayed or infected. Inside every tooth, there’s a soft center called the pulp, which contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. When this area becomes infected, it can cause serious discomfort, and that's when root canal treatment becomes necessary.

Root canals remove the infected pulp from the tooth. This is followed by cleaning, shaping, and sealing the inside of the tooth to stop the infection and prevent further damage. The treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it pulled.

Benefits of Root Canals

Root canals often have a bad reputation, but the truth is—they help people feel better, not worse. When done properly, they prevent infection, relieve pain, and maintain your smile's integrity.

Pain Relief: Root canals help alleviate tooth pain caused by inflamed or infected pulp. Most people feel better shortly after treatment.
Saves Your Natural Tooth: Instead of having a tooth extracted, a root canal keeps the natural tooth in place. That helps preserve your bite and overall dental health.
Restores Full Function: After a root canal and crown, the treated tooth works just like any other. You can chew, smile, and speak comfortably.
Prevents Spread of Infection: Removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth helps protect other teeth and gums from being affected.

Root Canal Procedure

Root canals may sound intimidating, but with modern techniques and the right care, it’s a straightforward and often pain-free process. Here’s how it typically works:

1: Diagnosis

First, we examine your tooth and take X-rays to understand the extent of the infection. We'll check for symptoms like swelling, sensitivity, or deep decay.

2: Numbing the Area

We’ll make sure the area is completely numb. Most people compare it to getting a regular filling.

3: Placing a Dental Dam

A small sheet called a dental dam is placed around the tooth to keep it isolated and clean during the root canal procedure.

4: Removing the Infected Pulp

Using small instruments, the dentist removes the infected pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. This includes damaged nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues.

5: Cleaning the Inside

The inside of the root canal is carefully cleaned and shaped. This helps remove any lingering infection and prepares the space for sealing.

6: Filling the Canals

We fill the cleaned space with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This seals the tooth and keeps bacteria out.

7: Temporary Filling or Crown

A temporary filling may be placed if more appointments are needed. Otherwise, a permanent crown is placed to restore full strength and appearance.

8: Final Restoration

Once everything is healed, we may recommend a permanent crown if one wasn’t placed immediately. This protects the treated tooth long-term.

Why Choose Alta Dental for Your Root Canals in Austin?

At Alta Dental, we understand that the thought of a root canal can feel a little scary. But we make it easier with gentle care, clear communication, and modern technology. Our team treats each patient like family because comfort and trust are just as important as quality dental care.

Experienced Team: Our dentists have performed hundreds of root canal treatments using modern techniques to ensure comfort and success.
Advanced Technology: From digital X-rays to precision tools, we use technology that helps us diagnose and treat accurately.
Personalized Care: Every mouth wears differently, so we tailor every treatment plan to your specific needs and symptoms.
Gentle Touch: We take time to explain each step, and we’re always ready to pause if you feel discomfort. Your peace of mind matters to us.

FAQs

What are the signs that I might need a root canal?

You may need a root canal if you’re experiencing constant tooth pain, especially when biting or chewing. Other signs include sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling in your gums, or a darkened tooth. Sometimes the symptoms come and go, but the infection is still there. If you notice these signs, we’ll use X-rays and a thorough exam to see if a root canal is needed. It’s always better to treat early before things get worse.

Is a root canal painful?

This is probably the most common question we hear, and the answer is: no. With today’s techniques and proper numbing, most patients feel little to no discomfort during the root canal procedure. Patient comfort is our priority, and many people are surprised at how easy it is. After the treatment, you might feel sensitive for a few days, but that usually goes away quickly. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable from start to finish.

How long does a root canal take?

It depends on how complex the tooth is and whether it's a first-time treatment or a retreatment. On average, a root canal takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Some teeth with multiple roots, like molars, may take a little longer. In certain cases, we may schedule two visits—one for cleaning and another for restoring the tooth. Either way, we’ll let you know exactly what to expect.

What happens if I don't get a root canal?

If a tooth infection is left untreated, it can lead to serious problems. The infection can spread to the jaw, affect other teeth, or even enter the bloodstream. Eventually, the diseased tooth might need to be extracted, which can cause more long-term issues. We always aim to save your natural tooth when possible, because it’s usually the best option for your oral health. Waiting too long increases the risk of pain, swelling, and more complex treatments.

What should I eat after a root canal?

After a root canal, it’s best to stick to soft foods while your mouth recovers. Things like yogurt, mashed potatoes, pasta, and smoothies are usually safe and comfortable to eat. Avoid biting down on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored with a crown. You should also skip anything sticky, crunchy, or hot until we give you the go-ahead. Your comfort and healing come first.

Schedule A Consultation Today!

Got tooth pain or think you need a root canal? Don’t wait. Contact Alta Dental today at 512-222-9772 to get back to feeling yourself again.