2421 Westport Parkway, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, TX 76177
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2421 Westport Parkway
Suite 1000
Fort Worth, TX 76177
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If a dental professional has recommended a root canal for one of your teeth, there’s no need to panic. Today’s root canal therapy is precise, comfortable, and designed to eliminate infection while keeping your natural tooth whenever clinically appropriate. For many people, a well-executed root canal stops pain, restores normal chewing, and prevents the cascade of problems that can follow an extraction.
At the office of J.Patrick Wharry, DDS, we pair modern endodontic techniques with careful attention to patient comfort and clear explanations. Our goal is to make the process straightforward: accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and practical planning for the permanent restoration that protects the tooth long-term.
Choosing to save a tooth with root canal therapy is often about more than relieving immediate pain. A preserved tooth helps maintain the natural spacing and alignment of surrounding teeth, supports the jawbone, and sustains efficient chewing. These functional advantages translate into fewer restorative procedures down the road and a more natural, comfortable bite.
A natural tooth retains the connection to the surrounding bone and soft tissues. When a tooth is removed, the supporting bone can gradually resorb, and adjacent teeth may drift into the vacant space. This can create a need for future restorative work to correct shifting, restore chewing balance, or replace the missing tooth — issues that root canal therapy can often prevent by retaining the original structure.
Root canal treatment preserves the integrity of the tooth’s outer form while removing the infected tissue inside. When followed by an appropriate crown or filling, a properly treated tooth can regain function and blend seamlessly with the rest of your bite. Our focus is always on durable outcomes that support your long-term oral health.
Not every problematic tooth presents exactly the same way, but several clear signs commonly point to pulp damage or infection. Persistent, throbbing pain that interferes with sleep, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed, and sharp discomfort when biting down are all symptoms that warrant an examination.
Other indicators include a tooth that darkens after trauma, localized gum swelling or a tender bump (a draining sinus) on the gum near the affected tooth, and prolonged soreness that doesn’t improve with routine care. Occasionally a tooth with a significant problem produces few symptoms at first and is discovered by X-ray during a routine visit, which is why regular exams and imaging matter.
The underlying causes vary — deep decay, cracks that expose the pulp, or prior restorations that have failed — so a careful clinical evaluation and appropriate radiographs are essential. Prompt identification often simplifies treatment and improves the likelihood of a successful, long-lasting repair.
When pulpal inflammation or infection is left untreated, bacteria can spread beyond the root into the surrounding bone and soft tissues. This progression can increase discomfort and make treatment more involved. Early intervention usually contains the problem while it is more localized, which often means fewer appointments and less extensive restorative work afterward.
Addressing a compromised tooth early also preserves more of the natural tooth structure. When infection is controlled before it causes extensive internal damage or weakening, the remaining tooth is stronger and simpler to restore with a crown or filling. That translates into a lower risk of fracture and a better prognosis for long-term function.
Your clinician will explain the findings, outline treatment options, and describe what could happen if care is deferred. Those conversations are intended to help you make an informed decision that balances the immediate need to manage pain with protecting your oral health over time.
Contemporary root canal therapy emphasizes precision, infection control, and patient comfort. The process begins with a thorough assessment and diagnostic X-rays so the treating dentist can map the tooth’s canal anatomy and plan care. Local anesthesia keeps the procedure comfortable, and additional comfort options are available for patients who prefer them.
Once treatment begins, the clinician creates a small access point, carefully removes inflamed or infected pulp tissue, and shapes the internal canals to allow gentle disinfection. Microsurgical instruments and reliable irrigation techniques are used to reduce bacterial load and prepare the canals for sealing. The canals are then filled with a biocompatible material that blocks bacterial re-entry.
Some teeth require a single visit for cleaning and sealing, while others — particularly those with active infection or complex anatomy — may be scheduled for two appointments to ensure complete disinfection. A temporary filling often protects the access site until a permanent restoration is placed; throughout, the team will explain what’s happening and how to manage any temporary sensitivity.
After the procedure, it’s normal to experience mild tenderness around the treated tooth for a few days as surrounding tissues recover. Over-the-counter pain relievers commonly control discomfort, and any specific post-operative instructions from your dentist should be followed closely. If antibiotics are prescribed for an active infection, complete the full course as directed.
A vital component of long-term success is placing a durable restoration once the tooth has stabilized. Many root canal-treated teeth benefit from a crown that shields the remaining tooth structure from chewing forces and minimizes the chance of fracture. Until that restoration is completed, avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the treated side.
Routine dental visits and good home care are the best ways to monitor a restored tooth and address any changes early. With a proper restoration and sensible follow-up, most treated teeth remain functional and comfortable for many years, allowing you to keep your natural smile and bite harmony.
Our office emphasizes careful diagnosis, clear explanations, and restorative planning so each patient receives treatment that fits their needs and expectations. If you have a tooth that’s painful, discolored, or behaving differently than usual, early evaluation improves the chance of a straightforward and successful outcome.
To learn more about root canal therapy or to discuss whether it’s the right option for you, please contact us for more information.
A root canal procedure is the best way to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury and preserve your natural smile. The alternative is an extraction and treatment to replace the tooth. While at times a tooth is non-restorable and an extraction is the only option, when possible, it’s best to try and save your natural tooth. With proper care, a tooth with root canal therapy can serve your smile well for many years to come.
Despite lingering myths from before the age of modern dental anesthesia and technology, having a root canal procedure today is as routine and comfortable as visiting the dentist for a filling. While the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with your tooth completely numbed, we can also discuss options in dental sedation.
Whether the symptoms of a dental infection subside after a course of antibiotics, a draining abscess provides you with some temporary pain relief, or a tooth with radiographic evidence of pathology has not yet developed symptoms, it’s essential, before an infection worsens or occurs, to have a root canal procedure performed. In this way, the tooth can be disinfected, filled, and sealed to protect your health and avoid further problems.
If you have sustained a dental injury, have a toothache, jaw pain, swelling, or are experiencing any other unusual and uncomfortable oral symptoms, contact our office immediately for care. Dental problems that have not been evaluated and treated can significantly worsen, producing more severe damage and consequences for the involved teeth, your oral health, and even your overall wellbeing. Once you get in touch with our office, our friendly and compassionate office team will get you in for care at your earliest convenience.
While some root canal procedures can be completed in one visit, others may involve 2 or 3 appointments. How long it takes depends on various factors, including active infection, the number of canals in the tooth, and the tooth’s location or anatomy.
With a success rate that exceeds 95%, root canal therapy remains the most effective procedure to save a tooth in which the inner vital tissues have been damaged. However, as with all healthcare procedures, there are a small percentage of cases where the teeth become symptomatic a second time. The good news is that many of these teeth can still be saved with root canal retreatment or a minor surgical procedure known as an apicoectomy.
The best ways to maintain a tooth with root canal therapy are to get the proper restoration required to rebuild and protect the tooth, maintain proper oral hygiene, and schedule appointments for routine dental checkups and care.
Saving a tooth with root canal therapy is a wise investment that, in the long run, is typically less costly and invasive than having the tooth extracted and replaced with a fixed bridge or implant. As far as the exact cost of care, it can vary depending on which tooth is being treated. Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for root canal therapy. At the office of J.Patrick Wharry, DDS, we do our best to optimize your dental benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. Our staff will answer all your questions about the cost of care and discuss all your payment options.
At the office of J.Patrick Wharry, DDS, we use the latest technology and most effective methods of care to provide precise and gentle care. Our reputation for excellence is based upon a consistent record of achieving successful treatment outcomes while providing prompt, stress-free, and convenient treatment for every type of dental need.