woman with toothache

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...

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 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

"Wonderful."

1

Wanda Thies

2021

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The staff is wonderful and so caring. They are great with my daughter, and so patient. Highly recommend Dr. Perry and his staff.

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Sally Smith

2021

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I had been with the same dentist for over 25 years, but he had retired and I had an emergency so I went to these wonderful folks that he had recommended and it was great.

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How Does a Dental Abscess Develop?

root canal

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:

(210) 349-3745 Send a message

"They Are Always Friendly and Professional." Read Our 5-Star Reviews

1

Laura Ramos

2020

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I’ve been to this dental office for over 7 years. They are always friendly and professional. My whole family goes to this dental clinic because we love the staff. Thank you!

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The Finch Girl

2020

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I love Dr. Perry!! Thank you so much! He is the best Dentist ever. So much knowledge. After looking for a dentist I found them and I love them! The staff is so incredible and helpful. You will love them too :-)

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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.

What should I expect during my root canal?

Root Canal Treatment Timeline

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.

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:

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"I Would Highly Recommend This Office!" Read Our 5-Star Reviews

1

Sandy Stephens

2020

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I thought Dr Perry was very good. His staff was also very good. They made me feel super safe and well cared for. I would highly recommend this office!

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Kari Warren

2020

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Excellent care and service. Our entire family and extended family all trust River City!

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What should I anticipate after my root canal?

Recovery and Aftercare

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.

How can I know if a root canal is the right treatment option for me?

Exploring Candidacy

Do I Qualify for a Root Canal?

When performed correctly, root canals have a 95 percent success rate. In order to be effective long-term, however, the procedure must be performed on teeth that have sufficient remaining structure. Therefore, if you have a large cavity or extensive damage, you may not be suitable for this type of treatment. The best way to determine your candidacy for root canal treatment is to schedule a consultation with your San Antonio dentist.

Alternative Treatment Options

The only alternative to root canal treatment is extraction. Unfortunately, this is sometimes the most viable option. During an appointment at our office, your dentist will help you weigh the risks and benefits of root canal therapy. If the affected tooth has a good prognosis with treatment, your tooth could last the rest of your life. If the prognosis is poor or questionable, then your dentist will likely recommend an extraction and, in some cases, an implant.

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.

The team at 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:

  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Veneers
  • Root Canals
  • Dentures

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

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Google map image of our location in 7300 Blanco Rd Ste 203 San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Office

7300 Blanco Rd
Ste 203
San Antonio, TX 78216

Closed Today

Friday by Appointment Only

(210) 349-3745 Send a message