Diagnose
X-rays and a clinical exam confirm the infection or inflammation inside the tooth and identify the best treatment approach.
Endodontic Treatment
Root Canal Treatment
Gentle, microscope-guided care that relieves pain and saves your natural tooth, so you can keep the smile you were born with.
Call (281) 681-0100Treatment Explained
Root Canal Treatment, Explained
Root canal therapy treats infection or severe inflammation inside a tooth. At Woodlands Endodontics, root canals save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted, preserving your natural smile and avoiding the long-term complications that come with tooth loss. Despite their reputation, modern root canals are routine, performed under local anesthesia, and typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
- 1–2Visits to complete
- 90%+Long-term success rate
- LifetimeA treated tooth can last
Inside every tooth is a chamber containing soft tissue called pulp: nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When pulp becomes infected or inflamed (usually from deep decay, repeated dental work, a crack, or trauma), the result is often severe pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling, or an abscess. Root canal therapy removes the infected or damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent reinfection. Once treated, the tooth remains functional and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Afterward, the tooth is typically restored with a crown, particularly on a back tooth that takes significant chewing force, which protects the now-brittle tooth from fracture and restores full function. Most root canals are completed in one or two visits, and patients usually feel relief from the original pain almost immediately. Modern techniques like digital imaging and rotary instrumentation have made the procedure faster, gentler, and more predictable than ever.
Our Approach
Many patients dread root canals, often because of outdated stories or anxiety about the procedure. At Woodlands Endodontics, we focus on making the experience as comfortable and predictable as possible. We use modern anesthesia techniques to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure, and we explain each step clearly so you know what to expect.
We take time to diagnose accurately using digital imaging, which lets us see the full anatomy of the tooth and plan treatment precisely. As endodontic specialists, root canals are all we do. That focus means refined technique and more predictable outcomes, even for complex cases. Our goal is always to save the natural tooth when possible, because preserving your own teeth is almost always better than replacing them with a bridge or implant. After the root canal, we walk you through aftercare and follow up to make sure the tooth is healing properly.
The Process
How Treatment Works
Clean
Under local anesthesia, the infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
Seal
The cleaned tooth is sealed with a biocompatible filling material called gutta-percha to prevent reinfection.
Restore
A crown or filling is typically placed afterward to protect the tooth and restore full function for many years to come.
Common Questions
Root Canal
FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about root canal treatment. Don't see yours? Give our team a call. We're always happy to help.
01 Is a root canal painful?
Modern root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during treatment. Most patients describe the experience as similar to getting a filling. Some mild discomfort or tenderness is normal for a few days after the procedure and is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
02 How much does a root canal cost?
Root canal therapy typically costs between $700 and $1,800 depending on which tooth is being treated. Front teeth (incisors and canines) are generally less expensive than molars because they have fewer roots and canals. Most insurance plans cover root canal therapy at 50% to 80% after the deductible. The cost of a crown after the root canal is typically separate.
03 How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals can be completed in 60 to 90 minutes for a single tooth. Complex cases or molars with multiple roots may require a second appointment of similar length. Many root canals are completed in a single visit, though some cases are performed in two stages to ensure complete disinfection between appointments.
04 Will I need a crown after my root canal?
A crown is almost always recommended after a root canal on back teeth (premolars and molars) because these teeth experience significant chewing forces and the tooth becomes more brittle after the pulp is removed. Front teeth may not always require a crown, depending on the amount of remaining tooth structure. We discuss the right restoration for your specific situation.
05 How long will a tooth last after a root canal?
A properly treated and restored root canal tooth can last a lifetime. Studies show success rates of 90% or higher for root canal therapy. The tooth's longevity depends on the quality of the root canal, whether a crown was placed afterward, your oral hygiene, and any habits like grinding. Regular dental visits help monitor the tooth long-term.
06 What happens if I don't get a recommended root canal?
Untreated infection in a tooth doesn't go away on its own. It typically gets worse, often leading to a dental abscess, severe pain, swelling, and in rare but serious cases, infections that spread to other parts of the body. Eventually, an untreated infected tooth will need to be extracted. Root canal therapy preserves the natural tooth, which is almost always preferable to extraction.
07 Are there alternatives to a root canal?
The only alternative to a root canal for an infected tooth is extraction, followed by replacement with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. Extraction is generally not recommended because preserving natural teeth is almost always preferable. Root canal therapy is significantly less expensive than the combination of extraction and tooth replacement.
08 How will I feel after a root canal?
Most patients feel significantly better after a root canal because the source of pain has been removed. Some mild tenderness or sensitivity is normal for several days, particularly when chewing. Over-the-counter pain relievers manage discomfort effectively. You can typically return to work and normal activities the same day or the day after.
09 Can a root canal fail?
Root canals have very high success rates, typically over 90%, but failure is possible. Causes include cracks in the tooth, complex root anatomy that wasn't fully treated, or new decay below the restoration. Symptoms of failure include returning pain, swelling, or a fistula on the gums. Failed root canals can often be retreated successfully here at our practice.
We Save Teeth™
Whether you’re a patient in pain or a dentist referring a case, we’re ready to help. Reach out and our team will take great care of you.
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