Root Canal

A dental infection can cause immense pain and eventually result in serious oral health issues, including tooth loss. At River City Dental Solutions in San Antonio, TX, a root canal can relieve painful symptoms and eliminate the need for tooth extraction.

If you need root canal therapy, dentist Joseph Perry makes the procedure virtually painless.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal treatment is needed when bacteria enters the tooth via cracks, chips, or cavities. When this bacteria causes an infection inside the tooth roots and pulp, root canal therapy is needed to remove the infected pulp and blood vessels.

How Does a Root Canal Work?

When bacteria enter a tooth and develop into an infection, antibiotics are often not enough to relieve painful symptoms like tenderness and abscess. Root canal treatment allows your dentist or endodontist to remove the infected pulp and eliminate the infection.
Diagram of a root canal infection against a dark purple background

Do I Need a Root Canal?

A dental infection usually occurs when decay reaches the pulp (soft tissue) within a tooth. This may present a number of symptoms that could indicate that a root canal is necessary. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Severe pain that worsens when chewing
  • An abscess that looks like a large, irritated bump on the gums
  • Extreme sensitivity to heat or cold
  • Tender or swollen gum tissue
  • Dental discoloration
  • Pus or infection at the gumline

Ready to Experience Relief From Tooth Pain? Schedule an Appointment Today

If you suspect you have an infected tooth, the team at River City Dental Solutions in San Antonio, TX, can provide relief from painful symptoms with a prompt root canal.

To learn more about how Dr. Perry can improve the health of your smile, or to request an appointment with our San Antonio, TX, dentist, you can reach out to us using our convenient form:

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"By far the best dentist I have been to!"

1

Andrew Cropper

San Antonio, TX

2023

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By far the best dentist I have been to! The hygienist are super nice and really care about their patients! Dr.Perry is the nicest man and really cares to have his patients walking out of the office with their best smile! Thank you!

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1

Ouida Atwater

San Antonio, TX

2023

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My first appointment, wonderful people throughout the visit. I had worse case thought about where I was going to deal with, but Dr Perry gave me hope & positive response to my issue. Really recommend this team, and he will be my new dentist office.

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Affordable Dental Care

To help keep the cost of treatment affordable at River City Dental Solutions, we accept most major dental insurance plans. Our friendly office staff will be more than happy to work with your provider to help you make the most of your benefits.

For patients without insurance, we offer membership in our Smile Advantage Dental Care Plan. For a one-time annual fee, membership includes exams, X-rays, routine cleanings, and discounts on all other dental services.

We will be glad to answer any questions you may have about your insurance coverage or our Smile Advantage Dental Care Plan during your next visit to our San Antonio, TX, dentist office.

Dr. Joseph Perry, DDS

Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation Today

Are you experiencing pain or other symptoms in one or more teeth? Get in touch with Dr. Joseph Perry today.

In some cases, a root canal infection may not be accompanied by painful symptoms, which is why routine dental visits are so important. During these visits, your dentist can detect any underlying issues and address them before they progress.

Dr. Joseph Perry provides comprehensive, compassionate care to individuals and families in the San Antonio area. Under his care, you can expect virtually painless treatment that provides immense relief and health benefits.

To schedule a root canal consultation at our San Antonio, TX, office, reach out to one of our team members. Contact us online anytime or call us at:

(210) 349-3745

Read Our 5-Star Reviews

1

Dennis Rudnick

San Antonio, TX

2023

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Friendly and courteous staff! Very thorough with all aspects of the appointment!

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Oscar Caballero

San Antonio, TX

2023

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Always amazing care and friendly team.

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Root Canal Treatment Timeline
What should I expect during my root canal?

Root canal treatment can be completed in one to two visits at our San Antonio office. On average, treating one tooth takes about one to two hours. Here is a general timeline of what patients can expect from start to finish:

Your care and comfort are our priority. We will listen to understand your concerns and go out of our way to address them accordingly.
Your care and comfort are our priority. We will listen to understand your concerns and go out of our way to address them accordingly.

X-Rays

Before beginning the treatment, your dentist takes X-rays to determine if a root canal or another treatment is the best option.

Access

To begin the root canal, your dentist must access the pulp of the tooth, which consists of nerves, ligaments, and other soft tissues. To do this, a small hole is created in the top of the tooth, usually in the chewing surface.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Next, the pulp is completely removed. Your dentist then thoroughly cleans and disinfects the inner surfaces.

Filling the Tooth

Once the infected pulp has been removed, the root canals and pulp chamber are filled with a rubber-like dental material. The tooth is also sealed with a filling to prevent recontamination, much like filling a cavity.

Placement of Crown

In many cases, your dentist will need to restore the tooth with a dental crown after a root canal. This adds strength and protection for optimal oral health.

The Benefits of a Dental Crown

crown

​It's common for our patients to receive a durable dental crown after undergoing root canal therapy. While many patients have experience with crowns, commonly referred to as caps, some do not. Here are some of the basics you need to know regarding this treatment:

A dental crown completely covers a tooth that has suffered traumatic damage or decay. Once placed, the crown reinforces the weakened tooth, offers important protection, and can even correct misshapenness or discoloration. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, a single dental crown is the most commonly performed restorative procedure in all of dentistry.

Recovery and Aftercare
What should I anticipate after my root canal?

Root canal recovery typically takes less than a week. General side effects usually subside in just a few days.

Is Root Canal
Treatment Painful?

Many of our San Antonio patients worry that root canal treatment is painful. Contrary to popular belief, the procedure itself is virtually painless. By removing the pulp, the source of the pain is eliminated. In most cases, patients who undergo this procedure experience significant and immediate relief following their appointment.


 

Normal
Side Effects

As with most dentistry treatments, patients can expect some level of tenderness and inflammation after their root canal. These side effects can be successfully managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Your dentist may also prescribe pain medication, which should be taken exactly as directed.


 

Post-Op
Guidelines

Following your root canal, you will be provided with a list of postoperative instructions. In general, patients should refrain from exercise or strenuous activity for two to three days. The area should be kept clean by gently swishing with warm salt water or antibacterial mouthwash. Following these recommendations helps foster a comfortable recovery.


 

Will I Have Pain?

54% of patients experienced no pain during a root canal
As reported in the International Endodontic Journal, more than half of patients felt no pain during their root canal. Of patients who did report discomfort, most rated it as only mild. 

Request a Virtually Painless Root Canal

Root canal treatment has undergone major advances over the past couple of decades, making what used to be a painful procedure now fairly routine. When San Antonio patients come to Dr. Perry with dental pain, he does a great job explaining that the pain they are experiencing generally stems from the infection itself – not treatment for it. 

Throughout every step of your care, our dentist and his compassionate team will prioritize your comfort and relaxation. When you entrust your treatment to us, you can be confident in knowing we will go above and beyond to eliminate your pain and keep you comfortable.

(210) 349-3745

River City Dental Solution magenta dental chair and painting

Can a Root Canal Fail?

When it comes to dental procedures, there are no guarantees. There is always a chance that root canal treatment could fail. This could happen for a number of reasons, including a damaged restoration or residual infection from the initial treatment. In some cases, portions of the pulp or tissues were left behind. Symptoms of failure may be obvious just days or weeks after your procedure, or they could surface months, or even years, later. The best way for you as a patient to minimize this risk is to choose an excellent dentist.

Should your root canal procedure fail, your dentist will recommend appropriate next steps. Endodontic retreatment may be an option. This involves performing a second root canal to address any infection. There are also other endodontic procedures – such as an apicoectomy (root amputation) – that remove a portion of the affected root to reduce the risk of reinfection.

If endodontic treatment is not an option, your San Antonio, TX, dentist will likely recommend extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant. Dental implants are currently considered the best teeth replacement option available in dentistry.

At River City Dental Solutions, Dr. Perry will take the time to discuss all your treatment options in detail so you can be well-informed before making a decision.

You Probably Don't Need to See an Endodontist

An endodontist is a specialty dentist who has undergone training to specifically treat issues regarding tooth pulp, like root canal infections. If your case is especially complex, you may be referred to an endodontist to receive in-depth treatment. 

That being said, many root canal cases can be resolved by seeing a skilled dentist like Dr. Perry. One major advantage of trusting this treatment to a general dentist is that it allows you to receive your root canal care and accompanying crown under one roof instead of having to shuttle to various providers throughout the city.

"Words cannot express my joy."

1

Ronnie Hutton

San Antonio, TX

2024

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I have been going to River City Dental for years. Staff is professional and willing to make each visit a positive feeling each time.

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Dan Lopez

San Antonio, TX

2024

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Words cannot express my joy in finding this dental office. I have a deadly fear of dentists, after a bad experience. Upon arriving at the office, the friendly staff put me a ease. Dr Perry has a manner of putting you at ease... I will return and recommend this office who has a fear of dentist as l did.

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River City Dental Solutions

River City Dental Solutions

The team at River City Dental Solutions serves the needs of the greater San Antonio, TX, area with state-of-the-art technology and the latest innovative techniques. We can provide you and your family with beautiful smiles through a variety of procedures including:

To schedule an appointment at our dental office, contact us online or call (210) 349-3745.

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