Root Canal Treatment

If you are experiencing pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot and cold, and swollen gums, you may be suffering from an infected tooth.

At 38th Street Dental in Austin, TX, Drs. Mike Meek and David J. Tasch can provide relief through gentle, precise root canal therapy.

Once the infection has been treated, we can place a lifelike dental crown to repair your tooth and restore natural aesthetics and function.

Understanding the Root Canals And Root Canal Treatment

"Root canal" is commonly used to refer to the treatment of an infected tooth, but it also refers to the anatomy of a tooth. Let's go over what the root canals are and what dentists and endodontists mean when they say "root canal infection" and "root canal treatment."

Diagram showing the spread of infection in a root canal

What Are the Root Canals?

Beneath the enamel and dentin layers of a tooth is a chamber filled with pulp. This dental pulp is comprised of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The root canals (also known as pulp canals) lead from the pulp chamber into the jawbone.

What Is a Root Canal Infection?

A root canal infection occurs when bacteria reaches the dental pulp and spreads through the root canals. Bacteria could reach the inside of a tooth through untreated cavities or oral trauma that leads to a major chip or crack in a tooth.

How Root Canal Treatment Works

Root canal treatment involves the removal of diseased pulp from an infected tooth and the sterilization of the pulp chamber and root canals. The pulp chamber is then filled with an inert material, and a dental restoration is used to cap the tooth and protect it from further harm.

Why You Should Seek Immediate Root Canal Treatment

Besides easing pain, early root canal treatment can prevent bacteria from spreading beyond the pulp chamber and root canals into the jawbone and bloodstream. In addition to preventing the spread of bacteria through the body, a root canal can also save the affected tooth from extraction.

Does Root Canal
Therapy Hurt?

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Many patients are under the impression that root canal therapy is painful. However, it is typically a straightforward process that causes no more discomfort than a filling. Additionally, we offer sedation dentistry to help patients relax during treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection? Here Are the Problems Endodontic Care Can Treat

Cavities and dental trauma can cause the soft tissues within your tooth to become infected and inflamed. When this damaged pulp is left untreated, it can lead to significant discomfort as well as other serious health concerns. Symptoms can include:

Think You Have a Root Canal Infection?

Contact Our Austin Dental Practice for Help

If you notice pain, swelling, or other symptoms of a dental infection, schedule a visit with one of our dentists as soon as possible. We can diagnose root canal infections and perform treatment on the front teeth. If your molars are affected, we may refer you to a trusted endodontist. An endodontist has specialized training in this area of dentistry.

Contact us online anytime to request a consultation or call our office in Austin, TX, at:

(512) 458-6222

Contact Our Dentists About Your Symptoms

Patient-Centered Care That Puts You at Ease Why Our Dentists Are Trusted in Austin, TX

38th Street Dental has been serving the oral health needs of the greater Austin area since 1997. Our private dental practice is led by David Tasch, DDS, and Mike Meek, DDS. When you visit our advanced dentistry practice, you can expect the individualized treatment and personalized care you and your family deserve.

38th Street Dental interior and staff members

"I love Dr. Tasch and this practice."

I love Dr. Tasch and this practice. Dr. Tasch truly listens, and I'm so lucky to have found him. Everyone at 38th Street is so professional and kind. They always listen to my concerns, and give me the BEST treatment plan, that I can afford.

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Great customer service at all times. They are always very nice and on top of what I need. I used to be terrified of going to the dentist when I was growing up, but the entire team at 38th Street Dental made me forget about that fear. They all are awesome!

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The Root Canal Therapy Process

Our team can provide the timely, thorough care you need to protect your oral health and prevent the need for extraction.

Numbing Solution

To numb your teeth and gums, we will provide local anesthesia. Drs. Meek and Tasch are dedicated to your comfort and can provide further sedation to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire procedure.

Accessing the Root Canals

Once you are comfortable, your dentist will gently access the affected root canals so we can remove the bacteria and pulp within these chambers. The pulp consists of soft tissues, nerves, and blood vessels.

Sterilizing the Root Canals

After the infected tissues have been removed, Dr. Meek or Dr. Tasch will sterilize and carefully widen the root canals of the tooth with specialized dental instruments.

Filling the Root Canals

This process allows us to fill the roots with a flexible, rubber-like dental material called gutta-percha that will maintain the internal structure of the tooth.

Dental Crown Placement

To rebuild the outside of the tooth, you will need a customized dental crown. We will provide a temporary while you heal from your procedure and wait for your final restoration to be created. Once your crown is complete, we can securely place it during your second visit to our Austin practice. This final stage will restore your full oral function and aesthetics.

Have Questions About Root Canals? Contact Us for Answers

Root Canal Therapy Recovery

It is important to closely follow our dentists' post-operative instructions after root canal treatment for a successful recovery.

Judith Feels at Home with Our Team

After moving to Austin, Judith decided it was time to take care of a long-standing dental issue. Dr. Tasch quickly won her trust with his gentle and reassuring manner. Her visit to 38th Street Dental was the first time she felt comfortable going to the dentist and she only wishes she had found us sooner.

"I almost fall asleep in the chair." Hear from Actual Patients in Austin, TX

Love going to 38th Street Dental! Sadie, my hygienist has such a gentle touch, I almost fall asleep in the chair. Dr. Meek is great; I've been going to him for years. The office staff is also super and will readily assist me with any financial and insurance questions I might have.

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I am new to Austin and had severe tooth pain one night. They were able to get me in the next day! The doctor went through every step to figure out which one of my teeth was actually causing me pain. He didn’t quit after X-rays and one test to tell me “you’re fine” he believed me and found the root cause (pun intended)! If you’re looking for a new dentist look no further!

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Root Canal Treatment