Nonsurgical endodontic procedure (root canal therapy) in Houston, TX: Keep your natural teeth for life!

You are at the right place for skilled, gentle, relationship-based care that both prevents the need for root canal therapy, and “saves” a badly damaged tooth that would otherwise be lost without this common treatment. Technically, root canal therapy is a type of endodontic procedure in Houston TX, available at the office of Dr. Monti Harpalani. As a Houston native, Dr. Harpalani is committed to this community. You can trust his warm approach to partnering with patients, which is focused on routine care over the long term for the lifelong health and beauty of your smile.

Endodontic procedures, explained

“Endodontic” comes from the Greek word “endo” (“inside”) and “odont” (“tooth”). So, endodontic procedures refer to treating the inside of your tooth. The bacterial toxins that give rise to the leading causes of tooth loss, decay and gum disease, are progressive conditions. For instance, in the case of decay, destructive substances such as bacteria erode the enamel that protects your teeth. Untreated, this process continues to work its way through the tooth, eventually reaching the innermost pulp tissues. With routine exams and professional cleanings at Vivid Dental, we detect problems early. Enamel erosion can be treated with oral care products and modifications to hygiene techniques. Deep decay, however, must be resolved with more invasive procedures.

Root canal therapy represents a nonsurgical approach to endodontic treatment. If a large filling or crown alone is insufficient to restore your tooth, Dr. Harpalani may recommend this technique. The affected tooth is thoroughly numbed. So, you get immediate relief from the pain that is associated with deep decay. Patients who are anxious about treatment may benefit from calming medication delivered through a nasal mask (nitrous oxide).

Once the tooth is thoroughly numbed, Dr. Harpalani accesses and cleans out the affected root canals at the center of the tooth. You will not feel anything. Free of inflammation and infection, these canals are shaped and sealed off to protect the treated tooth from reinfection. After problems underneath the surface are resolved, the part of the tooth visible above the gumline (the crown) is restored.

More than nine out of every 10 patients who undergo root canal therapy successfully restore their natural tooth to health, according to the American Association of Endodontists. There is no single dental or medical treatment that is 100% successful. We work with quality specialists who may be able to save a tooth with other, surgical endodontic procedures, such as a surgical apicoectomy. There are options to keep your natural teeth for life!

Call 281-809-4902 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Harpalani at the Houston, TX office of Vivid Dental.