Root Canal Treatment · Keene & Joshua, TX
Root canals, minus the dread.
If a tooth is throbbing, waking you up at night, or aching when you bite, a root canal is usually the thing that ends the pain — not causes it. We do these every week with strong numbing, gentle technique, and sedation options when you'd rather not remember any of it. Call first thing if you're hurting; we hold same-day slots.
Closer to Joshua? Call (817) 295-4500.
My dental anxiety is pretty high. I was in for a root canal and a crown, and they went above and beyond to make me comfortable — the whole procedure was as painless as it could possibly be.
What a root canal actually is
Cleaning out the inside of the tooth — not pulling it.
Every tooth has a hollow center filled with a small bundle of nerve and blood vessels called the pulp. When deep decay, a crack, or a hit to the tooth lets bacteria reach the pulp, it gets inflamed or infected — and that's the throbbing pain you feel. A root canal removes the inflamed pulp, cleans and shapes the inside of the roots, and seals it back up so the tooth can stay in your mouth and keep doing its job. Pulling the tooth is the alternative — but if we can save it, we usually try.
Deep decay
A cavity that's gone past the enamel and dentin into the nerve. Often started small, didn't hurt for months, then suddenly did.
Cracked or traumatized tooth
A crack or a blow that lets bacteria reach the pulp. Sometimes years after the original injury.
Infection or abscess
A dying nerve or pus pocket at the root tip — often shows up as facial swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum. Don't wait this one out.
Lingering hot/cold pain
Pain that hangs around long after the ice water is gone, or wakes you at night. Classic nerve-trouble signs.
What the visit is like
Numb, comfortable, and usually a relief.
We start with strong local anesthesia and don't begin until that tooth is fully numb — you tell us when. From there it's a quiet, careful procedure: a small opening into the tooth, cleaning and shaping the canals, rinsing, and sealing. Most cases take one visit; some larger molars take two. For patients who'd rather not be alert through it, we offer nitrous (laughing gas) and, in some cases, oral sedation. Just tell us when you call.
- In pain right now? See our emergency dentist page for what to do until you can be seen — and call first thing in the morning.
- After the appointment: mild soreness for a day or two is normal. Most patients are back to a normal day quickly, often with less pain than they walked in with.
- The crown step: back teeth usually need a crown afterward to keep the tooth from cracking. We'll plan that out with you up front so there are no surprises on cost or timing.
- Cost: we'll give you a clear written estimate before treatment starts. If the number is bigger than expected, our financing & payment options can spread it into a monthly payment.
Honest scope
What we handle — and when we refer to a specialist.
We're general dentists, and we perform many root canals in-house every month. For complex root anatomy, retreatment of a previous root canal that's giving you trouble, or cases that would be better handled with a specialist's microscope and equipment, we refer to an endodontist — a root-canal specialist — we trust. No guarantees, no pretending every tooth can be saved; just an honest read on what gives your specific tooth the best shot.
Today was the dreaded root canal and crown replacement. I was in the chair a long time but could not have been more comfortable — and it's amazing to finally be in no more pain.
FAQ · Root canal treatment
What patients ask us before they say yes.
Does a root canal hurt?
Honestly — the toothache that brought you in is usually the painful part. A modern root canal itself is done with strong local anesthesia, and most patients tell us it felt about like a long filling. The procedure is meant to relieve the pain, not cause it. Soreness for a day or two afterward is normal and usually handled with over-the-counter pain medication.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs are a deep cavity that has reached the nerve, a tooth that throbs at night or wakes you up, lingering pain to hot or cold long after the source is gone, pain when biting, a darkening tooth, or a pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth (often a sign of infection). The only way to know for sure is an exam and a small X-ray — we'll talk you through what we see and what your options are before any decision.
Can I be seen the same day if I'm in pain?
Yes. Both general offices hold same-day slots for emergencies during regular hours (Mon–Fri 8am–4pm). Call first thing in the morning — Keene at (817) 641-2272 or Joshua at (817) 295-4500 — and we'll get you in. If a root canal is what you need, we can often start the same day to get you out of pain. See our emergency dentist page for what to do in the meantime.
Do you do root canals in-house or refer to a specialist?
We're general dentists, and we perform many root canals in-house — most front teeth, premolars, and straightforward molar cases. For complex anatomy, retreatment of a previous root canal, or cases that would be better handled by a specialist's microscope, we refer to an endodontist (a root-canal specialist) we trust. We'll always tell you plainly which is the right call for your tooth.
Will I need a crown afterward?
Usually, for back teeth — yes. A root canal removes the nerve and cleans out infection, but it also leaves the tooth more brittle than before. A crown protects what's left and lets you chew normally for many years. Front teeth can sometimes get by with a strong filling instead. We'll explain which makes sense for your specific tooth — no guarantees, but we'll give you the realistic picture.
What does a root canal cost, and can you help with financing?
Cost depends on which tooth is involved (front teeth are simpler than molars) and whether a crown is needed afterward. You'll get a clear written estimate before any treatment. We accept most major PPO plans and file as a courtesy for many others. If insurance doesn't fully cover it, our financing page walks through monthly-payment partners like Cherry, CareCredit, Sunbit, and Covered Care.
Hurting today? Call first thing.
The sooner we hear from you, the more we can do.