Endodontics

Endodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating problems involving the tissues inside a tooth, including the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue known as the dental pulp.

Deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental work can allow bacteria to reach the pulp, causing inflammation or infection. Root canal treatment removes the damaged or infected tissue, cleans and shapes the canals inside the tooth, and seals the space to help prevent reinfection.

The goal is to address the source of pain and infection while preserving your natural tooth whenever possible to maintain long-term function.

Not every toothache requires root canal treatment, but certain symptoms can indicate that the pulp inside a tooth is inflamed or infected.

Contact Imma Dental for an evaluation if you experience:

• Severe tooth pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold after the source is removed
• Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum
• Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
• Pain when biting, chewing, or tapping on a tooth

These symptoms can have different causes, so an exam and imaging are important before deciding on treatment.

Root canal treatment is performed with a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. Our team also explains each step of the procedure so you know what to expect.

You may feel some soreness or tenderness after treatment, especially once the numbness wears off. This discomfort is often manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and typically improves as the area heals.

For anterior/single-root teeth selected for treatment at Imma Dental, root canal treatment follows a series of steps designed to remove infected tissue and protect the tooth. The following information describes the procedure generally; it does not mean that our practice offers treatment for every tooth.

A typical procedure may include:

• Numbing the treatment area with a local anesthetic
• Isolating the tooth with a dental dam to keep it clean and dry
• Removing infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth
• Cleaning and shaping the root canals with specialized instruments
• Filling and sealing the canals with a biocompatible material
• Placing a temporary or permanent restoration, depending on the tooth and treatment plan

Digital imaging helps guide treatment and allows us to evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures throughout your care.

When appropriate, root canal treatment can allow an infected or damaged tooth to remain in place rather than being removed.

Dr. Fri Vekuh will review whether preserving the tooth is a suitable option and discuss alternatives, including extraction, when necessary. We will also explain whether the tooth may need a crown or another restoration after treatment to help protect it.

Some soreness after root canal treatment is normal and may last for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and softer foods can help make recovery more comfortable.

Avoid chewing heavily on the treated tooth until any recommended permanent restoration is in place. We may also schedule follow-up visits and take X-rays to monitor healing.

Dr. Fri Vekuh will review the home care instructions and let you know when to contact our office. Increased swelling, worsening pain, or symptoms that do not improve should be evaluated.

If tooth pain, sensitivity, or a possible infection is interfering with your sleep, work, or daily activities, Imma Dental can help determine the cause.

Dr. Fri Vekuh and our team will review your symptoms, evaluate your images, explain your treatment options, and help you choose the next step for your oral health.

Contact Imma Dental in Conroe, TX, to schedule an evaluation for tooth pain and discuss your options. Please keep in mind that endodontic treatment at our practice is limited to anterior/single-root teeth; we do not perform molar endodontics.