Root Canal Therapy

Fort Worth, Texas

Root canal therapy has come a long way! Thanks to advanced technology and modern pain control, the endodontic procedure is now straightforward and much more comfortable than ever before. In fact, a root canal procedure can relieve the pain caused by tooth infection or inflammation and help you maintain your natural teeth. Dr. Matta and her team at Compass Dental are dedicated to delivering the highest-quality care and providing you with an exceptional patient experience.

Our Services

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Inside every one of your teeth is the pulp chamber that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When a tooth's pulp tissue becomes inflamed or infected, it can lead to complications that impact both your oral and overall health. Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment used to save damaged or infected teeth and relieve your discomfort, restoring your healthy smile.

We usually recommend root canal therapy to address the following:

Severe and persistent tooth pain
A deep cavity that reaches the nerve
A tooth infection or abscess
Cracked or broken roots
Trauma resulting from an accident or injury

Most patients are pleasantly surprised to find that their root canal treatments are much more comfortable than they anticipated, and usually leave our office feeling better than when they walked in.

What Can You Expect During a Root Canal Therapy Procedure?

At Compass Dental, we focus on pain control and your overall comfort. With the help of local anesthesia, advanced dental tools, and soothing care, many patients report that the experience is comparable to getting a standard filling.

Root canal therapy typically requires one or two visits to complete, and most patients can return to their regular activities the very next day. Dr. Matta will begin by numbing the area for your comfort and may administer nitrous oxide sedation, if needed, to help you feel more relaxed during treatment. Our skilled and experienced dentist will gently clear away infected or damaged pulp tissues and thoroughly clean your root canals. Next, she will place a biocompatible material called gutta-percha before sealing the space with a filling.

After your root canal, the treated tooth can become weak and prone to breakage or fracture, which is why we usually recommend a dental crown for protection. With proper care and maintenance, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime.

What Happens If You Delay a Needed Root Canal Treatment?

Neglecting a needed root canal treatment will cause the problem to worsen. An untreated infection can spread, potentially leading to an abscess, intense pain and swelling, tooth loss, and even jawbone damage. The infection can also enter your bloodstream, putting your health at risk. Timely treatment at Compass Dental can help restore your smile and avoid serious oral and overall health complications.

Is There an Alternative to Root Canal Therapy?

The only alternative to a root canal treatment you need is to have the affected tooth extracted and replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or partial dentures. However, this is always our last resort, as saving a natural tooth is always our priority.