Root Canal

What Is a Root Canal?

Inside every tooth, beneath the enamel and dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. It contains nerves and blood vessels that helped your tooth develop, but it can become infected or inflamed from deep decay, a crack, or repeated dental work on the same tooth.

A root canal removes this damaged pulp, cleans out the inner chamber and canals, and seals the space to prevent further infection. Afterward, the tooth typically needs a crown or filling to restore its strength. The name refers to the canals inside the root being treated — not to removal of the tooth itself.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Certain symptoms are worth having checked promptly:

• Persistent or throbbing pain, especially when chewing
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a specific tooth
• A pimple-like bump on the gums
• Darkening of a single tooth
• A cracked or chipped tooth that's become painful

Sometimes an infected tooth causes no obvious pain and is only found on an X-ray during a routine exam — one reason regular checkups matter even when nothing feels wrong.

Root Canal Treatment Process

Every case is a little different, but treatment generally follows these stages:

1. Exam and Diagnosis — A digital X-ray shows the roots, surrounding bone, and extent of damage, confirming that a root canal is the right approach.
2. Numbing the Area — Local anesthetic is used so you're comfortable throughout.
3. Placing a Dental Dam — A small protective sheet isolates the tooth and keeps it dry during treatment.
4. Accessing the Pulp — A small opening is made to reach the infected tissue inside the tooth.
5. Removing Damaged Tissue — Fine instruments remove the infected pulp from the tooth and its canals.
6. Cleaning and Shaping — The canals are disinfected and shaped to reduce the chance of reinfection.
7. Filling and Sealing — The canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed against bacteria.
8. Restoration — A temporary filling may be placed first, with a permanent crown or filling added at a follow-up visit, depending on your case.
9. Follow-Up — We check healing and confirm the final restoration is functioning well.

The number of visits and total treatment time varies by patient, tooth, and number of canals involved — your dentist will walk you through what to expect for your case.

Comfort During Treatment

Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but for most patients, the discomfort comes from the infection itself — not the procedure. Local anesthetic keeps the area numb during treatment, and many patients say it feels similar to getting a filling.

Mild soreness in the days afterward is common and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or fever after treatment, please call our office.

Saving Your Natural Tooth

Whenever possible, our goal is to save your natural tooth rather than remove it. Keeping it can help maintain your bite alignment and support surrounding teeth and bone. That said, not every tooth can be saved — the right treatment depends on the extent of damage, which your dentist will assess during your exam.

Why Choose A2Z Dental

A2Z Dental is a family dental practice located at 2101 Altamesa Blvd, Suite #103, Fort Worth, TX 76134, offering Root Canal, Fort Worth, TX, 76134 treatment along with a full range of dental care. We welcome new patients of all ages, including walk-ins, and offer same-day treatment for many procedures when appropriate. Our team takes time to explain your diagnosis and options clearly, so you can decide without pressure.