Services

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.  In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold.
  • Severe toothache pain.
  • Sometimes no symptoms are present.
  • Swelling and/or tenderness.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
  • Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.  An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria.  If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials.  A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth.  In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed.  This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment.  Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

BACK
First time visiting Dr. Porter last week. I’d been loyal to my previous dentist for over 15+ years but they just couldn’t get a few things right recently. In seconds, Dr. Porter figured out the problem and we got it fixed the next day. Staff was great and the place was nice and clean. Highly recommend!!!
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Bill
My family’s been using Brown Road Dental since Dr. Taylor was a young man. Dr. Porter has been a great transition. I always feel welcome and well cared for. From fillings to crowns to bridges I’ve had to have it all. The regular cleanings are always well done, too, regardless of who does the work
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Eddy
I am a local Realtor and I have recommended Brown Road Dental to family, friends and clients for years. I have had many call me back and thank me for giving them a great dentist. They were all extremely impressed with the care they received. Go just once and you will experience great care. The rest will be your history.
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Catherine
Y’all did amazing with our son with autism. Thank you. Also....enjoy the energy of your office. Very pleasant staff!

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V

From the beginning to the end my experience was great. My son chipped his front tooth and they were able to get me a same day appointment, the dental assistant was super sweet to my son (he’s 3 years old), and Dr. Porter did an amazing job fixing my son’s chipped front tooth as well as explaining what he was doing throughout the process so my son didn’t get scared. I’m so grateful that they were able to fix his tooth in a non traumatic way. My son even said he wanted to break his tooth again so he could pick out another prize 😂 We’ll try to avoid that but it goes to show that even the littlest of customers enjoyed his visit.

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Hannah

Had to bring my two young kids along because I couldn't find a babysitter. The staff was very nice and calm with the extra noise and accommodating. Got me in and out and did a good job on the teeth cleaning too!

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Jenessa
You guys are absolutely amazing! You made me feel comfortable for the first time at a Dental office and you were able to help me get the things that I need. I so appreciated it.

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Kathy

Personable staff and great service. Dr. Porter quickly assessed the root cause of the challenge I was having and recommended a good course of action. Highly recommend!

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Jason
I love Brown Road Dental! The staff, the hygienists, and dentists are all so kind and competent. I've been going here for 40+ years for a reason. My regular hygienist, Brenda, is a tremendous human, as well as being gentle but thorough with my teeth. Dr. Porter is kind, capable, and funny. He is also willing to work with people to keep costs down. Long story short, I sincerely recommend this dental office.

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Frances
Wonderful dentist! Wonderful staff! Highly recommend!!

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Harold