Frequently Asked Questions About Pain and Anxiety about Root Canal Therapy

Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio use advanced technologies to provide root canal treatment effectively and painlessly. A root canal is the space inside of a tooth that contains nerves, vessels, and other tissues. We remove this “pulp” tissue when a tooth is compromised by decay, damage or infection. 

Our office in the Stone Oak neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas, is led by three specialists: Dr. Rick Schwartz, Dr. Rick Davis, and Dr. Zac Liang. As endodontists, they are skilled at diagnosing and treating pain and tooth infections. Their procedures are performed once the tooth is profoundly numb, and for some patients with sedation.

What should you expect from root canal treatment?

First and foremost, we ensure that patients are completely numb before we start treatment. You may feel some discomfort  as the local anesthetic is administered, but we use special techniques to minimize discomfort including topical anesthetic before the injection, plus slow and gentle injections of the anesthetic.  Once your tooth is numb you will feel vibration but nothing that is uncomfortable.

What if I am nervous about treatment?

Dental fear and anxiety are common. We encourage you to share your concerns with us. We may recommend sedation dentistry to help you relax.

How is sedation dentistry performed?

We provide a range of methods to administer sedative medications. Nitrous oxide gas is delivered through a nasal mask and causes relaxation and a general feeling of well being.  A slightly higher level of sedation is produced with oral sedation.  This involves taking a pill about an hour before treatment.  Oral sedation causes relaxation and most patients fall asleep during the procedure.  IV sedation involves two doctors; one is the anesthesiologist who administers the sedative drugs intravenously and monitors your level of sedation and your vital signs.  The other doctor concentrates on performing the procedure. IV sedation puts you to sleep. 

What option is best for me?

This will be discussed at the evaluation appointment. Recommendations are based on your needs. Our range of sedative options spans the spectrum; nitrous oxide is largely a “minimal” form of sedation. Its effects wear off quickly. Oral sedation provides a deeper level of sedation and IV sedation is the deepest form of sedation. Afterward, patients often have no memory of the procedure. These characteristics are beneficial because recollections of previous bad experiences can trigger dental fear and anxiety. 

Discuss your concerns with our team at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio. Conveniently located in the Stone Oak neighborhood of San Antonio, TX, our office can be reached at (210) 405-0473.