root canal treatment leander
root canal treatment leander

Need Root Canal Therapy: What to Expect, Before, During and After

You’ve heard of “getting a root canal” before, but what does that mean?

Did you know you already have a root canal? Every tooth has its own root canal. The root canal houses living cells and connective tissue called the pulp. The pulp protects all the nerves and blood vessels that connect to the root of your tooth.

A root canal is completely normal. Getting root canal therapy is a little different.

Root canal therapy, medically referred to as endodontic therapy, is a procedure to help save your teeth from rotting out. It is usually necessary when a patient suffers from severe tooth decay. This form of dental care treats infection and inflammation formed in the tooth’s pulp.

When you suffer from infection or inflammation in the tooth’s pulp, you often experience immense pain and severe swelling, and you’re even at risk of losing the tooth or teeth in question.

The news is that root canal therapy has the power to…

Table of Contents

In this article, you will learn...

  • The difference between a root canal and root canal therapy
  • The anatomy of your teeth
  • What causes root canal therapy
  • What root canal therapy is and why it’s a great treatment option
  • What to expect before, during and after your root canal treatment
  • Root canal therapy prevention and next steps

And much, much more…

The Difference Between a Root Canal & Root Canal Therapy


“I’m getting a root canal”

As you now know, people usually refer to root canal therapy simply as a “root canal.” But you already have a root canal.

As you’ll see below, your root canal is the part of your tooth that houses the tooth’s pulp, which is where all your sensitive nerves and blood vessels are stored.

Your nerves and blood vessels are attached to the tooth’s root through the root canal. When these areas become compromised, tooth sensitivity is heightened.

Before we cover what you should expect before, during, and after your root canal treatment, it’s helpful to understand the anatomy of your teeth. Keep reading to learn what makes up a tooth, how tooth decay affects each part of the tooth, and what stage of tooth decay results in needing root canal therapy.

Understanding the Anatomy of Your Teeth

 

Before we discuss the ins and outs of root canal treatment, it’s important for you to understand the anatomy of your teeth.

From the outside in, these are the main parts of your teeth:

 

  • Surface
  • Enamel
  • Dentin
  • Pulp
  • Root

Tooth decay, or a cavity, is the primary cause for needing root canal therapy. Tooth decay travels from outside your tooth into the center, towards the root. The deeper the decay, the more severe it is.

Read on to find out how each part of the tooth is affected in each step of tooth decay…

5 Main Stages of Tooth Decay

 

  1. White spots form on the surface of the tooth.
  2. Decay eats away at the enamel, diminishing it.
  3. The infection moves deeper toward the dentin.
  4. The pulp becomes affected, compromising the nerves.
  5. Decay reaches the root, forming a painful abscess.

Keep reading to understand which stage(s) of tooth decay might call for root canal therapy.

What Causes Root Canal Therapy?

 

Now you know that cavities and tooth decay cause you to need root canal therapy. But at what point is root canal therapy needed?

Root canal therapy might be necessary during tooth decay’s fourth or fifth final stages. At these stages, cavities are extremely severe deep-rooted tooth decay. Often, it’s uncomfortable and painful.

The closer the decay is to the tooth’s root, the more likely it is that root canal therapy will be needed.

When decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, your dental care provider may prescribe this treatment to alleviate pain and save the teeth from extraction or falling out on their own. It also hinders the decay from progressing further.

Root canal therapy can help you…

 

  • Save your smile in a natural way
  • Increase the longevity of your teeth
  • Improve your overall dental health

And much more!

Are you ready to learn what root canal therapy is and what you should expect from your treatment? Keep reading to find out now.

What is Root Canal Therapy?


Root canal therapy is a relatively painless procedure that can prevent you from losing your teeth. As an alternative to tooth extraction, this treatment allows you to keep living your everyday life without making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

During your root canal treatment, your dental healthcare provider will extract the pulp inside the tooth. This prevents the decay from spreading to the root and jeopardizes the tooth’s overall health.

Patients who undergo root canal therapy often do not need additional dental work on the affected tooth. Many live with it – and without pain – for the rest of their lives.

Now let’s look at what you can expect before, during, and after your root canal treatment.

Root Canal Therapy: What to Expect Before, During, and After


Before Your Root Canal Therapy

If you are experiencing significant pain or discomfort in your teeth, consult a dental professional immediately. Your dentist or endodontist will evaluate the state of your teeth. If they notice significant decay, they will make a professional recommendation.

Your two main treatment options are:

  1. Tooth extraction
  2. Root canal therapy

In general, root canal therapy is often less painful and more cost-effective. Plus, it’s a more natural way to treat decay. After root canal therapy, your teeth will look and feel just about the same, but you’ll be in much less pain.

If you and your dental health care provider decide root canal therapy is the right path, you will schedule a follow-up appointment for your procedure.

Now let’s look at what to expect during your root canal therapy.

During Your Root Canal Therapy

 

The good news about root canal treatments is that they are relatively painless, and the recovery time is significantly shorter than a tooth extraction.

During your treatment, you will most likely undergo anesthesia so that you don’t experience much pain. At this time, your dentist or endodontist will extract the pulp from the tooth in question.

Then, they will disinfect, clean, and re-shape the root canal where the pulp used to be. After cleaning the canal, they fill the space with a filling.

Your root canal appointment will typically take 90 minutes. Depending on the severity of your case, you may need to schedule a second appointment to continue treatment.

After Your Root Canal Therapy

 

Upon leaving your treatment, your dentist will send you instructions to care for your tooth. If you underwent anesthesia, you will likely feel numbness in your mouth. Wait to eat until your feeling returns, so you don’t accidentally harm your sensitive teeth.

It’s normal to feel sensations in the affected area for a while after the treatment. But if you experience extreme pain, contact a dental professional immediately.

Remember to keep brushing and flossing your teeth as usual.

As a rule of thumb, schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to ensure everything is healing as it should be.

Root Canal Therapy Prevention & Next Steps


If your tooth decay presents itself in the early stages, affecting the surface and enamel of your teeth, you may be able to reverse its progression by regular brushing and flossing. But if you’re showing signs of late stages of tooth decay, you may need root canal therapy.

Want to ensure your teeth are healthy in the long run?

The dental professionals at Apple Springs Family Dentistry, located in Williamson County, Texas, can help you with that. Call us to schedule your appointment now.

APPLE SPRINGS FAMILY DENTISTRY
OFFICE:
3421 N Lakeline Blvd, Suite 230
Leander, Texas 78641

Phone: (512) 212-9711

Hours of Operation:
Mon: 8am – 5pm
Tue: 8am -5pm
Wed: 8am – 5pm
Thu: 8am – 5pm
Fri: 8am – 1pm
Sat – Sun: Closed

 

Apple Springs Family Dentistry
Excellent
4.9
Based on 543 reviews
Talon P.
My hygienist was the most gentle cleaning experience I've ever had. She took her time F was detail oriented. Dr. Tay is great.
Mark K.
Over the years I've written just a few reviews, because like most folks I'm usually pressed for time. However, I really need to speak up about Dr. Tay's...
Hannah E.
Kelsey was amazing! Such a great cleaning! I felt very comfortable
James B.
Very professional and service was excellent.
Karen B.
So impressed with Apple Springs! Fantastic hygienist, Grace, did an excellent job and I felt the dentist did a thorough and professional exam. Happy I...
Anne K.
Always a great experience at Apple Springs Family Dentistry. The whole family has been seeing Dr. Tay since they opened. He is great with kids and adults alike. Had to have extractions done for my 9 year old today and it was a good experience.
Ashley K.
I love everyone here. They are informative, kind, and I trust them. Dr. Tay never does, or suggests anything unnecessary and is very honest. The ladies at the front, build a relationship with you and are so friendly. It is just an A+ all around.
Jin K.
Staff is awesome and Dr. Tay is great dentist for the community. I highly recommend this practice.
Darrell B.
Our family has been seeing Dr. Tay for years now. They are always timely, friendly, and don’t try to push unnecessary dental procedures like many other practices. I see many new offices popping up that are much closer to home but the extra drive is worth it! Highly recommend!
Erinn H.
This is my favorite dentist in Leander. The office staff, the hygienist and Dr. Tay are the best!
Stoney T.
Staff are always so very friendly, make you feel at home. The office is always super efficient as well. The entire staff is always very informative throughout the process, so never any surprises.
Salena C.
Absolutely love and trust Dr.Tay. I've been going to him for over 5 years and hope to never have to go anywhere else. Also, my husband who is afraid of...
Doug R.
Excellent teeth cleaning and care
Jeff W.
My family and I have been going here quite awhile and love it. Kelsey is awesome and so is Dr Tay. Highly recommend.
Ryan P.
Dr. Tay and his team are absolutely amazing. Everyone is so kind and literally treat you like family. I look forward to my checkups and seeing the friendly faces here. They are always on time, honest and efficient with their care. I give Apple Springs the highest recommendation!
Anna N.
Apple Springs is awesome!! Dr. Tay and the staff are super efficient, professional, and fast. I’ve had cleanings completed in less than 30 minutes, and various treatments done in about 15 minutes. They are the best!! Would highly recommend them!
Kierstin W.
Such a friendly staff! I’ve now been here twice and I’ve enjoyed both experiences. It feels close knit and homey. They remembered details about me from my first visit to ask how things were going. That shows me they care enough to remember details about my life. I can see myself coming here for a very long time.
David T.
Wonderful staff, on time with the appointment, very cordial as well as very friendly and professional!
Bryant P.
Everyone here is friendly and good at what they do!
Bryant P.
Everyone here is friendly and good at what they do! Nice, clean office with modern equipment and amenities.
Brian E.
Dr.Tay and his team are all very personable and great at what they do! They truly care about their patients. I highly recommend them.
Vicky B.
Dr Tay is great! Appointments run on time, he and his staff are very thorough. I had a cavity filled and it didn’t hurt at all. He and his staff are very kind and caring. I have found my dentist finally!!
Kevin W.
Very friendly people
Mark G.
Great family of oral hygiene practitioners. Very thorough, they make sure your comfort and oral health are always the highest priority.
Elyana B
Crisp, clean, professional and efficient. What more could you ask for? Well their team is an absolute delight to talk to. Courteous, friendly, patient, thorough and honest. I've never really minded visiting the dentist but the “Apple Springs Team” and Dr. Tay is special .Never any pain or discomfort & I always walk out with shiny molars 🦷
Christina S
Always a great experience with Dr Tay and his staff. They have TVs on the ceiling which for me, help take the edge off of my dental anxiety.
Shelley H.
I absolutely love this dentist office. Everyone there is so friendly! They are very good at what they do and very interested in their patients!
Delaine M.
Staff was very caring and make sure you feel comfortable. They took their time to explain everything.
Shelley H.
I absolutely love this dentist office. Everyone there is so friendly! They are very good at what they do and very interested in their patients!
lina S.
My husband came in for the first time last week. He really likes Dr. Tay and the team. He referred me to see him. Dr. Tay and everyone is so friendly; the...
Vivek V.
Got great service. The entire team is very professional. Thank you!
Jim M.
All outstanding to include receptionists, hygienist and Dr Tay.
Wilma K.
I love this office and everyone I came in contact with all have great personalities from the front desk to the back personnel! Dr. Tay is wonderful 😊
DBA7167 F.
Recommend Dr Tay and hygienist Kelsey. Dental visits are mostly pain-free and staff is friendly.
Jason C.
I've been a faithful patient here at Apple Springs Family Dentistry for almost 3 years. They are always professional, kind, and the service is top notch....
Austin M.
Everyone is so nice here😭💖
Donn4 R.
The visit was great!
Keri P.
I had the best dental experience of my life during my first visit with Dr. Tay and his hygienist Noelle. Some of my teeth are severely sensitive, and Noelle did the most thorough and gentle cleaning I have ever had. I didn’t realize how easy cleanings can be when you have a good and conscientious hygienist! I appreciated Dr. Tay’s thoroughness during my exam. I left my appointment happier than I have ever left a dental office in the past!
Jodee H.
Very friendly staff, quick service.
Sandra D.
Always a friendly, warm and highly professsional staff and a gentle, highly competent dentist. Always a pleasant experience
Crystal A.
Always a great experience. They are friendly, efficient with their time & gentle with their exams. Highly recommend.
Brooke E.
My cleaning today with grace and Dr. tay was wonderful! Always a great visit at this office! I will be back for my next cleaning. Thank you both, and all of Apple Springs Family Dentistry!
Sarah L.
So glad I found Apple Springs Family Dentistry a year ago! The most pleasant dental experience I've had - gentle cleanings, friendly staff, easy to make...
Justin N.
This was my first visit to Dr. Tay’s office. I had a wonderful experience. Grace did an amazing job on my cleaning and Dr. Tay did a very thorough exam. Couldn’t recommend more highly. Thank you!
Jennifer G.
Dr. Tay and his staff are amazing. One of my biggest priorities is healthy teeth and gums. When I walk into this office, I have complete trust in Dr.Tay...
Pragya S.
The staff at Apple Springs Dentistry are not only professional but also incredibly friendly and attentive. They took the time to explain each step of the...
Angelica P.
Kelsey is always very gentle with my dental cleanings as are the other hygiene staff I have had and Dr. Tay is very professional and friendly and never tries to upsell services we don’t need which we appreciate. My husband and I have been going to this office for over two years now and are happy with service.
Pragya S.
Super professional. On time. Amazing staff. High quality dental work. Highly recommended
Terrie K.
I had a dental emergency and my former dentist's office that is now under new ownership did not return 3 calls over 2 days Dr Tays office got me in same...
Amy D.
Dr. Tay has taken care of my family for 3 years now. He and his staff are always welcoming, courteous, and helpful. I've had multiple old crowns that needed...
Jasmine A.
My son needed a rushed crown and they were able to accommodate him last minute. The service and dental work is always exceptional!
Ramon P.
My visit with Dr. Vyna was pleasant and her staff were friendly.Thank you!!
Michelle W.
Love Dr. Tay and his staff! They make you feel like family. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. They are the best!!!
Phil A.
I really enjoy going here. It is a fun environment. I really like how they make you feel comfortable throughout the cleaning. I can't wait to go back.
Alex G.
I just came out of my teeth cleaning and dental exam appointment, and wow, it was excellent. Katie the tech, did an outstanding job, and was very gentle and...
Sally Z.
They attended me very quickly and thoroughly. The doc gave me a referral to an endodontist.
George S.
Great staff and very pleasant experience. Couldn't be happier. Going to the dentist isn't ever something I look forward to, but these folks are amazing.
marlo T.
Dr. Tay is wonderful. He's gentle and caring. He made my very nervous daughter so comfortable. We hit the jackpot with Dr. Tay!
Stephanie E.
We love this place for our Family. Everyone is friendly and professional from the front desk employees to the Dr. Couldn't recommend them enough.
Nicole C.
Very friendly Owner and family!
Queenie T.
Its so funny cause my older daughter loves to see Dr Tay. Not many kids like to see the dentist. Dr. Tay is amazing. He is a very gentle, sweet and honest...
Leena T.
Best dental experience EVER! The staff is so nice and professional. The doctor had a cancellation so he actually cleaned my teeth! It was the most thorough...
Bonnie H.
This is a dentist office that is my favorite so far as any dentist in Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Let me explain......I broke one of my veneers off and a...
Erin J.
Dr Tay is one of the best dentists out there. He repaired my front tooth and it looks better than the other one now. His bedside manner is excellent. He's...
Elana M.
Fantastic customer service! Dr Tay and his team are so kind and welcoming. Everyone in his office is very patient and happy to answer any questions that we...
Christy E.
I'm not a fan of having to go to the dentist but the team at Apple Springs make the experience pleasant. I highly recommend them!
Veronica T.
Awesome service as usual, the whole staff really makes me feel like family. Thank you!
Susana G.
Love the place, the staff, the service. Very friendly and professional. Also my little girl feels comfortable and safe.
Ciril B.
Happy with the yearly check up and replacement of 3 crowns. Grreat staff. Would recommend
Edie O.
Thank you so much for giving me my smile back! Love all of the staff here I have anxiety from previous experience at dentist offices but they have restored...
Lizet G.
Friendly staff and professional service. Efficient in and out, always on schedule, My children and I love going to see Dr Tay and his team!
Terri G.
The entire staff is professional and very kind. I've had some dental challenges from years ago and I am so thankful for Dr. Tay and his very talented...
Jeff K.
I only went once so far. I'll be back. I have had a bad feeling after only one time at other dentists. With this place, so far so good.
Michelle B.
Went very well all things considered. Very clean facility with a polite and courteous staff.
Terri G.
What a great dental office. EVERYONE was so kind, professional and helpful. The office is very clean and I am thankful my daughter and I will be getting our...
Ben H.
Dr Tay and his staff run a clean, modern, an welcoming practice. The hygienist was friendly and efficient, genuinely concerned about my comfort and careful...
Mark W.
Super nice people! Very friendly and accommodating. A big step up from that last place I was at!
Beth C.
Excellent dentist and great customer service! My mother appreciated the gentle care from the dentist and the wonderful staff throughout the office.
Karen T.
Dr. Tay and his entire staff are amazing! I always feel welcomed and everyone is so friendly and professional. I recently moved to the area and had a bad...
Jeny M.
We were at our last dental practice for over 10 years - a family of 6, so when we moved to the area, I was *concerned* about finding a practice we loved as...
Patti M.
Great dentist office..Desi was my hygienist and was so sweet and very informative..Dr. Tay was very nice ..It was a great experience!!
stephanie N.
I have always been afraid to go to any dental office but apple springs family dentistry exceeded all my expectations. Great customer service and its...
Mike B.
Great experience at Apple Springs! Needed to find a new dentist and am glad that I stopped by. The girls in the front were very personable and welcoming!...
Johnny M.
Dr. Tay and his staff are amazing. They greet us with big smile and white teeth! Treat us with care, especially my youngest son who doesn't like going to...
Wayne B.
I am in Texas visiting family and working for the next few weeks and one morning while flossing noticed something in my gums. As my dentist is in...
Susana G.
I love this place!!! The Dr. Tay is amazing, good listener, patience, honest and very professional. The staff is incredible and very friendly. My Daughter...
Lyudmila L.
Apple Spring is an amazing dentist! It's clean, modern, and the people are great! Everything was quick and convenient from portable X-rays to a TV mounted...
Stacy W.
I confess. I am a complete coward when it comes to dentistry. Some bad experiences in my youth fostered a fear of the chair that led me to procrastination...
Krystal S.
Incredible staff! Everyone is super polite and friendly. I love how they do X-rays too. It is already uncomfortable having a wedge in your teeth and for the...
Amber H.
I can not say enough about Dr.Tay and his staff. They are truly amazing! I have never been a fan of going to the dentist even at 30! Apple Springs made me...
Carly C.
Dr Tay and all the staff at Apple Springs are amazing. When we moved to Leander I worried that we wouldn't find the same quality care with the cozy,...
Crystal H.
I'm a new patient here and I love this place. The office is very tidy and I've never had a wait at my appointments. The staff is so amazing and they...
Soni K.
Dr. Tay is great! I visited his office for the first time for a cleaning and orthodontic care evaluation. He is super friendly and very smart in his field...
Edie O.
Awesome experience as always! I have had bad in the past (other clinics). They do a great job explaining what they are doing and do everything possible to...
Lauren C.
A comfortable and relaxing place (even though it is a dental office). Everyone was kind and interested in how I was doing. I usually have quite a bit of...
Meagan H.
Everything was great from the start. I was referred to go see Dr. Tay from a friend who worked for him previously and she recommended him very highly....
Carly C.
Dr Tay and staff are amazing, we relocated to Leander and needed to find a new family dentist, we are so thankful we found Apple Springs. The staff are...
Donald K.
Great experience and top notch dentistry. Just moved down from the NorthEast and by far the best dental experience in a long time.
Sarah A.
Dr. Tay and his team are excellent. They go above and beyond. We've had nothing but great experiences with them.
Mark D.
Very friendly people here, nice office (they even have tv's on the ceiling!), very conscious of safety during covid. I will definitely be back!
Sheryl A.
I can't believe I'm actually going to say this but I'll definitely be going back to Dr. Tay. He's awesome!!! As most people do, I have a phobia of going to...
Deneke O.
My cleaning was gentle yet thorough. I'm happy I changed to this office. Overall the service was great including the front desk person.
Yasmeen A.
I always have a great experience at Apple Springs Dentistry. I get appointment reminders, a quality cleaning, and friendly staff. Dr. Tay is friendly,...
Laura J.
I just moved from Austin to the Leander area and did not feel like driving into Austin just to have my teeth cleaned. I did my due diligence and checked out...
Kathi L.
I love our dentist and his staff! They are always happy and inviting. It is never asked, "did you/do you floss?" There is no blame or shame, only happy...
Yvette D.
This was my first appt with this dental practice. From the office personnel to the dental hygienist to the Dr. was a really good experience!! Everyone was...
Donna A.
Everyone was super nice & made sure I was totally comfortable. Price was what I was expecting. Went in for a cracked tooth & was in and out in 2 hours.
Dustin N.
Look, I love this place, and I am saying that about a dentist. Everyone is great and personable. They maintain the highest standard of care and I wouldn't...
Ry M.
My husband & I both had our first exams & cleanings here this week. We are more than impressed - very clean facility, professional & caring staff &...
Chad H.
Great people here! They got me in and out for a procedure in no time. They were very caring and attentive the entire time I was there. My wife and mother in...
Joe P.
I had an abscessed tooth and needed it removed quickly. I received an appointment within a day or two. I received excellent care but was unable to be numbed...
Julie B.
Everyone in this office is so friendly. They seem to all get along so well. It has a very positive and energetic vibe! Jennifer at the front desk was so...
Shannon S.
Absolutely love Dr. Tay and his entire staff. I have high anxiety when it comes to dental work and his entire staff were very understanding and made me...
Tom M.
Really nice people, easy scheduling and convenient location for me. I recently relocated from Georgetown and needed a new dentist. I found the staff at...
John N.
My teeth are sensitive and I often do not feel comfortable seeing any dentist. Though, this time the cleaning went quite pleasant within my comfort...
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