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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 a root canal, dentist Joseph Perry makes the procedure virtually painless.

What Is a Root Canal?

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

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 gum line

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 to remove the infected pulp and eliminate the infection.

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. 

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 schedule an appointment with our San Antonio, TX, dentist, you can reach out to us using the convenient form below:

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(210) 349-3745 Send a message

"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 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, practice, reach out to one of our team members. Contact us online anytime or call us at:

(210) 469-7406

Read Our 5-Star Reviews

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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:

Day of Procedure

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 eliminated, 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.

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 saltwater or antibacterial mouthwash. Following these recommendations helps foster a comfortable recovery.


 
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 a root canal 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 probably 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 of your treatment options in detail so you can be well-informed before making a decision.

"Run don’t walk and make an appointment..." Read Our 5-Star Reviews

1

Joshua Springer

San Antonio, TX

2023

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This was an amazing experience!! I am not fond of going to the dentist at all but Dr. Perry and his staff were so pleasant, helpful, and fast! I’m self conscious about my teeth and they showed absolutely no judgement and made me feel extremely comfortable and welcome! I even had some questions about aftercare a few days later and they had me come in for a follow up appointment at ZERO COST that same day! I’ll definitely be going back in the future and recommending River City to everyone!

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1

Christopher Martinez

San Antonio, TX

2023

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A+++, FIVE STARS & THE ABSOLUTE GREATEST DENTAL EXPERIENCE EVER!! I was referred to River City Dental Solutions by my aunt, uncle and cousin who echo exactly what I soon found out today! Dr. Perry is THE BEST!!! Right from the start you know you are in the hands of a gifted and experienced dentist!!! The staff at River City are ALL so kind and welcoming plus they are all so calm which makes YOU calm too! If you need to see a dentist…. Run don’t walk and make an appointment at RIVER CITY DENTAL SOLUTIONS and with Dr. Joseph j. Perry!!! A+++ all the way!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ THANK YOU, River City Dental Solutions for a great experience!!!

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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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