Root Canals

Root Canals services offered in San Antonio, Helotes and Shavano Park, TX

Sudden tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and halitosis are red flags that demand attention and potentially indicate the need for a root canal. At Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces, with five offices in San Antonio and Helotes, Texas, the team of general and family dentists perform thorough root canals to protect and preserve your natural tooth structure. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today to learn more.

Root Canals Q&A

What are root canals?

A root canal is a restorative procedure that can save a badly damaged or decayed tooth. The treatment involves removing pulp, a type of tissue packed with nerves and blood vessels, from the tooth’s center. A root canal can help prevent a tooth from extraction, stopping damage and decay before it affects your surrounding teeth.

When are root canals necessary?

Root canals are often the last resort to save a tooth in danger of extraction. Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces may recommend a root canal if you have:

Severe tooth decay
A badly fractured tooth
Pulp inflammation (pulpitis)
Abscess or infection
Repeated dental procedures
Trauma to the tooth
Pain and swelling around the tooth

A root canal can help relieve pain, prevent infection from spreading, and preserve your natural tooth structure.

What happens during root canals?

The team performs root canals using local anesthesia. Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces also offers sedation dentistry for patients sensitive to pain or who have dental phobias. Once you’re comfortable, your dentist creates a small access hole in the tooth’s center.

They use special dental tools to carefully extract the damaged or inflamed pulp. After removing the pulp, the team cleans and disinfects the tooth chamber. This step ensures there’s no leftover bacteria.

To preserve the tooth’s strength and structure, the team fills the space left by the missing pulp with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Finally, they seal the access hole.

What happens after a root canal?

After your root canal, the team may recommend placing a crown. This customized cap fits over your tooth to protect the structure, seal out bacteria, and restore its shape and size. Keeping your teeth healthy after a root canal is essential to prevent reinfection.

To protect your teeth after a root canal, you should:

Avoid chewing on hard foods
Refrain from chewing on hard or crunchy foods to prevent potential damage to the treated tooth.
Consider a nightguard
If you grind your teeth at night, the team may recommend a nightguard to protect your treated tooth.
Attend regular dental check-ups
Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor your teeth’s overall health and address any emerging issues promptly.

Call Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces or request an appointment online today to learn more.

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Happy Patient Reviews

I went here for a root canal yesterday scared out of my mind but Dr Smith and his assistant were beyond amazing! I highly recommend you see Adam Smith for any dental issues you won’t regret it.

Chelsey V.

Dr. Smith is absolutely fantastic. All the staff is amazing and very helpful. Customer satisfaction is the best I've received at any dentist. The procedures are essentially painless and the equipment and tools are advanced and updated. Big thank you to Sandra and Derek who are very knowledgeable, professional, and great to work with. The office is near and clean with a little theater for everyone and an arcade machine for entertainment. Would not recommend any other dentist. Thank you again Dr. Smith!

Mohsin S.

First time there with my 4 children. Loved their hospitality always made us feel welcomed and answered all of my questions patiently. My children hate dental visits and this was the first smooth visit we've ever had at the dentist.. Dr. Melendez was great and so was the entire staff at the Mission clinic on Roosevelt.

Veronica S.

Been coming here since they opened this location and I can honestly say..I'm comfortable I have had all my kids come here..love the way they work with you I have not had problems. The crew is incredible as well as the Dentist..too bad they changed the crew but we just went recently to get braces on my daughter ...we were in and out was fast and the 2 girls who helped us were very friendly...and were on point with everything we asked them..plus the girl who help prep my daughter with her braces was very nice and really knew what she was doing hands on kind of person..which I loved..I hope she gets noticed for her hard work ..she made everything look easy..I cant wait to go see her when I'm ready to put my braces on..I would recommend anyone to go to this inviting Dentistry....May I say I'm a very picky mom so trust me when I say ...its a 5 star

Jennifer R.

Always Treated With Courtesy And Respect. The Staff always welcoming and makes you feel comfortable. The waiting area is nice and comfortable to sit and watch a movie or to play with the arcade games. Like how they explain and go over everything that will be done.

Cindy F.

Really nice workers. They know what they are doing. Girls on the front very polite and friendly. Dr. Rice knows what's she is doing. I really recommend this dentist office.

Nancy A.

Always Treated With Courtesy And Respect. The Staff Always Make All My 5 Kids Feel comfortable whether it’s for cleaning or dental work and Orthodontics. The waiting area is nice and comfortable to either sit and watch a movie or TV or Arcade games. And there’s also refreshments like water or coffee or tea to Brew in a Keurig machine I enjoy a cup of coffee when I sit and wait.

Naomi G.

I love this place !!!! I’ve been bringing my daughter here for about 8 or 9 years and I’ve always had a great experience. The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. You won’t regret it!

Savannah C.

They have a great friendly staff, Ashley is very attentive. Both my daughter and I come here for our dental needs. They make her feel comfortable and safe. I've had my wisdom teeth pulled and fillings done here. They make sure you don't feel any pain.

Brian M.

Great service such an awesome staff. I love the environment. I love how the staff makes mydaughter feel so comfortable. I will definitely come back!

Laura V.

My daughter just had dental work with Dr. Smith and assisting him was Juliet and Karla. Dr.Smith was great and so were Karla and Juliet very friendly my daughter did not feel anything awesome dental work and customer service and front office staff were very friendly and sufficient a great experience. I have been bringing my kids here for about 4 years.Bring your kids to this dental office located on Ingram.

Gina R.

I have switched dentists for my son a couple of times. I think we are sticking to this place, the staff is always friendly and very helpful. The dentist are thorough and patient. Great set up in the lobby.

Herlinda V.

My daughter and I believe we chose the right place for her braces. The employees are always so nice and helpful. I recommend smile structure on Ingram. Staff is professional with a smile aways on there faces.

Letty T.

My first visit & I loved how they were very patient & took there time to get my daughter to get comfortable since she gets very nervous she loved ot as well & can't wait to come back thanks to the staff!!!!! I would really recommend this place.

Jessica G.

Everyone was great! Sandra in billing is very informative of our options and took care of our needs during my sons procedure.

Leticia P.

Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces

✆ Phone Number: 210-572-2394