Root Canal Therapy in Houston, Texas
When a tooth is infected or deeply decayed, saving it is often the healthiest choice. At Unique Dental, Dr. Mai Nguyen, an experienced dentist, provides gentle, precise root canal therapy that removes infection, relieves pain, and preserves your natural tooth. Our team explains each step in plain language, reviews options, and helps you leave comfortable and informed.
What is a root canal?
Inside every tooth is the pulp—soft tissue with nerves and blood vessels. Infection or injury can inflame this space, causing sensitivity, swelling, or abscess. Root canal therapy removes the diseased pulp, disinfects the canals, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection, letting you chew normally without ongoing pain.
Signs you may need treatment
Common symptoms include lingering hot or cold sensitivity, pain when biting, spontaneous throbbing, swelling or a pimple on the gums, deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma. If you notice any of these, prompt care at Unique Dental can stop the infection from spreading and protect surrounding teeth and bone.
What to expect during your visit
We fully numb the area and isolate the tooth for a clean, comfortable procedure. Dr. Mai Nguyen creates a small opening, removes the inflamed pulp, then shapes and disinfects the canals with modern instruments and solutions. The canals are filled and sealed, and a temporary or permanent filling is placed. Most back teeth will need a protective crown to restore strength.
Comfort, recovery, and results
Today’s techniques make root canal therapy comparable to getting a filling. Some tenderness is normal for a day or two and responds to recommended pain relief. Avoid chewing on the treated side until the final restoration is placed. With proper care, your restored tooth can serve comfortably for many years.
Why treat now?
Early treatment stops infection, prevents abscesses, and protects your bite and jawbone. Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain alignment and makes chewing more efficient than removing the tooth and leaving a gap. If extraction becomes necessary, we will review replacement options, but saving the tooth is usually the most conservative plan.
Experiencing tooth pain or swelling in Houston, Texas? Call 281-550-0900 or contact us to schedule a prompt evaluation with Dr. Mai Nguyen at Unique Dental. We will diagnose the cause, explain options, and provide the relief you need.
Root Canal FAQs
Do root canals hurt?
With modern anesthesia and careful technique, most patients feel pressure, not pain, during treatment. Mild soreness afterward is common and usually resolves within a few days. Follow your home-care instructions, take recommended medication as directed, and call 281-550-0900 if discomfort increases instead of improving.
Why do I need a crown after a root canal?
After infection is removed, the tooth can become brittle and more prone to fracture. A custom crown wraps and reinforces the tooth, restoring strength for everyday chewing and helping prevent cracks and leakage. Front teeth with minimal loss may be restored conservatively, but molars typically benefit from a crown.
How long does the procedure take?
Most single-root teeth take about an hour; molars with additional canals may take longer. Many cases finish in one visit, while complex infections may require a second appointment. You can return to normal activities the same day unless sedation was used. We’ll provide specific instructions before you leave.
What happens if I delay treatment?
Infection can spread to bone and nearby tissues, causing swelling, pain, and abscess formation. The tooth may become non-restorable, requiring extraction and later replacement. Prompt root canal therapy removes bacteria, preserves your natural tooth, and often saves time and additional treatment in the long run.