About Root Canals

A tooth’s root canal serves a number of different functions, from stabilizing the tooth from within your jawbone to offering a pathway for your jawbone to feed the tooth necessary minerals and nutrients. When you need root canal therapy, it’s typically because the soft tissues connected to the root canals are infected with decay. If not treated, the infection will continue to cause more severe damage, including tooth loss. The most important thing patients should remember about root canals is that treating them when they’re infected is vital to preserving the health and integrity of your smile.

Tooth decay is a bacterial infection in your tooth’s structure, and its severe form is the reason why root canal therapy is needed. As bacteria spread, they consume your tooth, leaving cavities in their wake as they make their way toward your tooth’s center (pulp). If you don’t treat the cavity in time, the infection will kill the tissues in your pulp and can potentially spread through the connected root canals.

A dental filling is only an alternative to root canal treatment if your cavity is detected and treated before it reaches the pulp. Otherwise, we’ll have to remove the infected tissues and seal the roots to prevent further infection, thenreinforce the tooth with a dental filling and cap it with a custom-made dental crown. To minimize sensation, we’ll anesthetize the tooth and surrounding area, and if necessary, we can administer dental sedation to help you relax for the duration of your procedure. After your tooth is restored, you’ll no longer feel the pain of the infection, and can resume your normal routines with a healthier, more confident smile.  

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.