Somewhere along the line, root canal therapy got a bad reputation.

But the truth is, root canals can do a lot of good when it comes to saving a natural tooth.

If you’ve got a badly infected tooth, a root canal procedure can:

  • Get rid of an infection and the pain that comes with it.
  • Restore your ability to comfortably chew foods.
  • Help prevent further damage that could require a tooth extraction.

And at Houston Uptown Dentists, we go the extra mile to ensure your comfort. With state-of-the-art dental technology and sedation options, it’s possible to minimize stress and pain during your root canal!

Read on to learn more about our gentle approach to root canal procedures and the benefits it can have on your dental health. Then, if you’re looking for excellent dental care in Houston, TX, give us a call at 832-463-1021.

Comfort Options And Dental Sedation

Many people associate root canal procedures with one thing: pain. But did you know that more often than not, the pain you experience is largely from the infection rather than anything the dentist is doing or the procedure itself?

In fact, many people say that when you go to a highly skilled doctor for your root canal, it’s no more painful than getting a cavity filled!

Beyond the care you’ll receive from our knowledgeable team of dental professionals, we can help put you at ease with our comfort options. If you want to watch Netflix or listen to calming music while we work, we can make it happen.

If you’re looking for a pain-free experience, we can also provide dental sedation.

Dental sedation involves the use of medication to affect how you experience a dental procedure.

There are different types of dental sedation, and we’re proud to offer three of them:

  • Nitrous oxide is perhaps more commonly known as laughing gas. It’s a fast-acting form of sedation. Many people say nitrous oxide makes them feel calm and comfortable. Plus, it’s easy to administer. When you opt for nitrous oxide during your procedure, the dentist will place a small mask over your nose. After just a few deep breaths, you’ll start feeling its effects. Nitrous oxide also wears off quickly once we shut off the gas, so in most cases, you’re able to drive home afterward.
  • Oral sedation. This form of dental sedation is a bit stronger than nitrous oxide, but its effects are a little more difficult to predict and control. Oral sedation is administered in the form of a pill. After we determine that this method of sedation is appropriate for you, we’ll prescribe you a pill and instruct you to take it at a certain time before your appointment. By the time you arrive at our office, you might feel sort of drowsy but ultimately ready for your procedure. Since this can be a rather long-lasting form of sedation, we ask that you arrange a ride to and from our office.
  • IV sedation is often used for more involved or extensive dental treatments. It’s administered directly into the bloodstream for a fast-acting effect. You’ll likely experience your dental work as if you were in a dreamlike state. Afterward, you probably won’t remember much about your procedure. We’re able to closely monitor your level of sedation and your vital signs throughout your visit. But like oral sedation, it’s likely that you’ll feel some residual effects of the medication after the procedures over, so we request that you have a friend or family member drive you to and from our office.

When administered by a trained professional, sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to lessen tension and discomfort while you undergo dental work. At Houston Uptown Dentists, Dr. Lindskog completed an Advanced Education General Dentistry Residency where she received training in conscious dental sedation, among other things. You’ll feel comfortable in our team’s care!

State-Of-The-Art Dental Technology

In addition to our expertise and dental sedation options, you’ll feel comfortable knowing that our office uses state-of-the-art dental technology to maximize precision and comfort in our root canal procedures.

To remove infected tissue, many dentists rely on metal files. But at Houston Uptown Dentists, we’re proud to use endodontic lasers and PIPS™ — Photon Induced Photoacoustic Streaming — to efficiently clean the root canal of your tooth! It’s less invasive than traditional methods, and it reduces the amount of time your root canal procedure takes!

So what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to experience a more comfortable root canal procedure, give us a call at 832-463-1021. You can also fill out our convenient online form.