A gentle touch, a caring team, and soothing sedation options take the stress out of root canal treatment at Town East Dental Group.

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Root Canal Treatment in Mesquite, TX

In many cases, it’s obvious when a root canal is needed. Pain or pressure in a particular tooth is one of the most common symptoms of root canal infection; for some people, the pain can be excruciating.

At Town East Dental Group, our goal is to provide relief by removing the infection, which is the source of your pain. We know that root canals are not anybody’s favorite way to spend an afternoon, but the fact is that the procedure doesn’t just eliminate your pain, it saves your tooth from extraction.

Call Us for Root Canal Treatment in Mesquite, TX

If you’re putting off getting a root canal, we urge you to contact our dental office right away. We want to relieve your pain and protect your smile, and the sooner you complete your root canal treatment, the better our chances are of saving your tooth. You can call our warm and welcoming Town East Dental staff today at (972) 270-2911 to schedule your root canal appointment in Mesquite, TX.

What are root canals?
How do I know if I need a root canal?
What happens during a root canal?
Should I be nervous about my root canal?
How do I schedule my Mesquite, TX root canal?

What are root canals?

Root canal treatment refers to the process where dentists remove damage and decay from the interior portion of a tooth to stop an infection from spreading. Root canals are both very common and very preventable with good oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist.

Each of your teeth has tooth roots that live below your gum line. These roots are how your teeth attach to your jaw bone and stay fixed in place. On the interior of your teeth, your tooth roots have little tunnels, or “canals.” These internal canals contain your tooth’s intricate and sensitive soft tissue, also known as “pulp.” Your soft tooth pulp is home to your tooth’s nerves and blood supply—and even though the area is tiny, it’s vital to the overall health of your tooth.

Sometimes, due to either poor dental hygiene, facial trauma, or both, a tooth can develop a cavity or decay. Over time, if this decay is left untreated, the disease will spread inside your tooth and infect the sensitive pulp. When the inside of your tooth becomes infected, the tooth will be painful, inflamed, or abscessed.

While this condition sounds scary, it’s quite simple to fix. Root canals exist to remove the dental infection from teeth and to save the remaining structure of a tooth. Despite their reputation for being complicated or painful, root canal treatments are really the unsung heroes of the dental world because of what they can do for teeth.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Your tooth is covered by a hard, protective layer called enamel. The layer beneath is a softer material called dentin, and below the dentin are the root canals of your teeth that contain pulp – soft tissue that houses the nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive.

Dr. RJ Loera and Dr. George Clark typically recommend a root canal (endodontic treatment) when the pulp inside the root canal is inflamed or infected. This can occur due to decay or injury to the tooth, and if we don’t treat it promptly, it causes pain and can lead to a dental abscess, and you may lose the tooth.

If our Mesquite, TX dentist discovers that you need a root canal, we will schedule you for treatment right away. If you haven’t been to the dentist recently but are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s best to call our dental office:

Isolated pain in a specific tooth or area of your mouth
Increased pain while chewing or biting down
Tender or inflamed gums around a painful tooth
Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Bumps along your gum line around an aching tooth

Immediate treatment is key to saving your damaged tooth. In addition to being incredibly painful, infected teeth also threaten your overall dental health. If you ignore your need for root canal treatment, you might eventually even lose your tooth.

At Town East Dental Group, our goal is to provide relief by removing the infection, which is the source of your pain. We know that root canal treatments are not anybody’s favorite treatment, but the fact is that the procedure doesn’t just eliminate your pain, it saves your tooth from extraction.

If you suspect you need a root canal in Mesquite, TX, please call Dr. Loera today at (972) 270-2911, so we can schedule a time for you to see us ASAP.

What happens during a root canal?

We perform root canal treatment to clear away the infected material from inside your tooth. The first thing we do is apply a topical anesthetic to numb the tooth, so you don’t feel anything.

Next, we make a tiny hole in the back of your tooth so we can reach the infected area. We clear the infection away, and we pack the tooth with an artificial sealant to prevent the disease from re-entering the tooth. We will also place a temporary filling to protect the tooth, but in most cases, our dentists will recommend a dental crown in the future to strengthen the weakened tooth. This multi-step process of saving a tooth from infection is what we refer to as a “root canal.”

Should I be nervous about my root canal?

Our experienced dental team understands that people sometimes feel anxiety before their root canal treatment, but luckily, this anxiety is mostly unwarranted. Updated treatment techniques and advanced dental technology have made our procedures more efficient, which translates into less time in the dental chair for you. You don’t have to feel nervous about your root canal treatment!

Even so, we are pleased to offer two forms of sedation for your comfort: nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Nitrous is a gas that you inhale, and, as you do, you will feel your body relaxing and your mind wandering away from the activity around you. Most patients who opt for nitrous oxide say they remember little to nothing about their procedure.

With oral sedation, our dentists will prescribe a calming medication for you to take before you leave home for your appointment. You will arrive at our office feeling mellow and relaxed, and the sensations will last for several hours. For this reason, you will need a designated driver to get you to and from our office safely.

Our experienced dental team understands your concerns and will do everything we can to ensure that your procedure is efficient and stress-free. Root canals often feel very similar to regular dental fillings, and your root canal should instantly alleviate your pain and suffering.

How do I schedule my Mesquite, TX root canal?

Root canals are an essential treatment that we perform to eliminate pain and save your tooth. If you think you might need a root canal in Mesquite, TX, please contact our dental office as soon as possible. If you are in pain, we will do our very best to see you the same day. Call Town East Dental Group today at (972) 270-2911.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an infection go away with antibiotics?

In some cases, you may experience some relief, but it is only a temporary solution. The only option for getting rid of an infection in your tooth is root canal treatment. If the infection is too severe, we will need to extract the tooth.

The best way to avoid a root canal infection from compromising your oral health is with routine cleanings and exams paired with proper oral hygiene at home. Brushing in the morning and before bedtime removes bacteria-filled plaque. Flossing clears away the buildup between your teeth where decay often starts.

If you don’t feel confident about your hygiene skills, one of our skilled hygienists will be happy to demonstrate the proper way to get your teeth as clean as possible. During your routine exams and cleanings, we will check your teeth for any changes since your last visit. That way we can detect problems in their earliest stages and long before they cause pain and put your oral health at risk.

The team at Town East Dental Group wants to help you avoid the need for root canal treatment, so if it’s been a while since your last visit, please call us at (972) 270-2911 to arrange your preventive cleaning and exam.

Will my root canal hurt?

We know that root canals have the unfortunate reputation of being uncomfortable. But it is an infection in your tooth that causes pain, not the procedure. The truth is that root canals don’t cause pain; they relieve it.

If a tooth becomes damaged by injury, decay, or repeated procedures, an infection can develop deep inside and can be very painful. When this occurs, Dr. Loera needs to perform a root canal to remove the infection and cleanse and seal the tooth. In most cases, he will recommend a dental crown to strengthen the tooth and protect it from further damage.

Our team cares about your comfort and wants you to have a stress-free procedure. The support and encouragement they offer puts our patients at ease so they can relax and get the care they need. If your anxiety keeps you from picking up the phone to make an appointment, talk to us about options like nitrous oxide oral sedation that take the edge off, so you remain calm and comfortable.

If you have a painful tooth, please call Town East Dental Group to arrange an appointment. We always will do our best to see emergency patients the same day so we can provide the treatment you need to provide relief, save your tooth, and get your oral health back on track.

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

Root canal therapy is a procedure your dentist in Mesquite, TX, uses to save an otherwise damaged tooth or suffering decay. Because of this damage, Drs. Loera and Clark will likely have to remove portions of your tooth before sealing it up.

This procedure will leave your remaining tooth brittle and diminished, and if the point of root canal therapy is to save the tooth, leaving a tooth that could break down would be counter-productive. So instead, your dentist will restore your remaining tooth with a dental crown.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a complete tooth restoration generally made of high-quality porcelain custom-fit to your specific tooth. This type of restoration is strong, durable, and attractive. In addition, by covering the old tooth entirely, your dental crown will protect what remains.

Your crown is also similar to maintain as your natural tooth. You will brush and floss as you do with your other teeth, but your crown will not decay or develop cavities. However, the tooth structure supporting it can. You should get it checked at regular dental visits to ensure its fit has not changed.

Discover Root Canals and Dental Crowns in Mesquite, TX

If you fear losing a tooth causing you issues, we welcome your call to Town East Dental Group. Let us partner with you to achieve improved oral hygiene.

How long does a root canal treatment take?

The precise time requirement can vary based on a tooth's location in the mouth and the extent of the damage to the tooth. Generally, a root canal takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

For instance, a root canal on a front tooth with one root is typically quicker than one on a molar with multiple roots and canals. Similarly, a root canal on a severely decayed tooth in a hard-to-reach part of the mouth requires more time than one to address moderate damage in a more accessible area.

What To Expect During a Root Canal

A root canal begins with an initial consultation, examination, and x-rays to assess the tooth's condition.

The procedure itself begins with local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the dentist, using specialized tools, drills a hole and removes the tooth’s infected “pulp” (soft tissue, nerve endings, and blood vessels). Once the pulp is removed, the root canals are cleaned and filled with a biocompatible material.

Empathetic and Pain-Free Root Canals in Mesquite, TX

If you're looking for a dentist in Mesquite, TX, to guide you through root canal therapy with the utmost compassion and empathy, contact Dr. RJ Loera and the excellent Town East Dental Group team to schedule a consultation!

What is the success rate of a root canal treatment?

Root canals have a success rate of over 95 percent, making them one of the most effective ways to save a natural tooth and prevent further complications.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal removes infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and seals the area, and restores the tooth’s function, often with a dental crown. With proper care, a treated tooth can last a lifetime.

Factors That Affect Root Canal Success

Timely Treatment — The sooner you get a root canal, the better the chances of saving your tooth.
Proper Aftercare — Brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits help keep your restored tooth healthy.
Crown Placement — A dental crown strengthens the tooth and protects it from future damage.

While root canals are highly successful, severely damaged teeth may require extraction. If a tooth can’t be saved, dental implants in Mesquite, TX, offer a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth.

Call Us for Root Canals or Dental Implants in Mesquite, TX

If you need a root canal or dental implants, Town East Dental Group is here to help. Our team of dental experts are highly skilled in numerous dental treatments and procedures, and we also provide custom-made restorations, like dental implants, if you need to replace a missing tooth.

Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. RJ Loera

Dr. RJ Loera graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2014. He is a member of the Dallas County Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, and American Dental Association. He attended The University of Texas at Austin for his undergraduate studies where he earned a BA degree in Biology. He also won a Best Dentist award in 2025 from D Magazine.

The facet of dentistry he enjoys most is having the ability to directly impact and help his patients to maintain and improve ...

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