Root canal treatment has evolved dramatically over the years, transforming from a procedure many patients feared into a comfortable, highly successful treatment that saves millions of teeth annually. At Lubbock Dental Specialists, Dr. Steffan Scherer brings decades of endodontic expertise to patients throughout Lubbock, Amarillo, and Plainview, Texas, ensuring that your root canal treatment experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Understanding exactly what happens during your procedure helps alleviate anxiety and allows you to prepare properly for treatment and recovery.

Dr. Scherer, an experienced endodontist specializing in saving and restoring natural teeth, has refined his approach to make root canal therapy a routine, comfortable procedure for patients of all ages. As part of the multi-specialty team at Lubbock Dental Specialists, Dr. Scherer works alongside board-certified oral surgeons Dr. William Graves and Dr. Paul Wilkinson to provide comprehensive dental care that prioritizes patient comfort and successful outcomes. The practice's commitment to utilizing advanced technology, sedation options, and proven techniques ensures that your root canal experience will be far more comfortable than you might expect.

Modern root canal treatment is designed to eliminate infection, preserve your natural tooth structure, and restore full function while minimizing discomfort throughout the process. The step-by-step approach used at Lubbock Dental Specialists follows proven protocols that have been refined through years of successful treatments. From initial consultation through complete recovery, understanding each phase of your treatment helps you feel confident and prepared for this important procedure that can save your natural tooth for many years to come.

Concerned about an upcoming root canal procedure? Contact Lubbock Dental Specialists today at (806) 412-0000 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scherer and learn exactly what to expect during your personalized treatment plan.

Pre-Treatment Consultation and Diagnosis

Your root canal journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where Dr. Scherer evaluates your tooth's condition and develops a customized treatment plan. During this initial appointment, he conducts a thorough examination of the affected tooth, reviews your dental and medical history, and discusses any symptoms you've been experiencing. Advanced diagnostic imaging, including digital X-rays and potentially 3D cone beam CT scans, provides detailed information about the tooth's internal structure and the extent of infection or damage.

Dr. Scherer takes time to explain your diagnosis in understandable terms, discussing why root canal treatment is recommended and what alternatives might be available. He'll show you the diagnostic images and explain how the infection or damage affects your tooth's health and function. This educational approach helps you understand the importance of treatment and feel confident in the recommended course of action. You'll also receive detailed information about the procedure itself, recovery expectations, and post-treatment care requirements.

During the consultation, Dr. Scherer addresses any concerns or questions you may have about the procedure. Many patients have misconceptions about root canal treatment based on outdated information, and he takes care to provide accurate, current information about what modern endodontic therapy involves. The practice offers various sedation options for anxious patients, and Dr. Scherer will discuss these choices to ensure you feel comfortable throughout your treatment. This thorough consultation process ensures that you're fully informed and prepared before beginning treatment.

Step 1: Anesthesia and Pain Management

On the day of your procedure, your comfort is the top priority at Lubbock Dental Specialists. Dr. Scherer begins by administering local anesthesia to completely numb the area around the affected tooth. Modern anesthetic techniques and high-quality medications ensure that you won't feel any pain during the procedure. The practice also offers sedation options for patients who experience dental anxiety or prefer additional relaxation during treatment.

The numbing process typically takes a few minutes to achieve full effect, and Dr. Scherer will test the area to ensure complete anesthesia before beginning the procedure. Many patients are surprised to learn that root canal treatment itself is no more uncomfortable than having a large filling placed. The reputation for pain associated with root canals actually comes from the infection and inflammation that necessitates treatment, not from the procedure itself.

For patients who have experienced difficulty getting numb in the past or have high anxiety levels, Dr. Scherer can provide additional anesthetic techniques or sedation options to ensure complete comfort. The goal is for you to feel relaxed and pain-free throughout the entire procedure. The practice's welcoming atmosphere, complete with TVs and other comfort amenities, helps create a calming environment that supports your overall treatment experience.

Step 2: Access and Cleaning

Once complete anesthesia is achieved, Dr. Scherer creates a small access hole in the crown of your tooth to reach the infected pulp chamber. This access point is carefully planned and precisely executed to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while providing adequate access for thorough treatment. The opening is typically made from the chewing surface of back teeth or the back side of front teeth, making it virtually invisible once the procedure is complete.

Using specialized endodontic instruments, Dr. Scherer carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the main pulp chamber and all root canals. This process requires great skill and precision, as root canals can be extremely narrow and curved, making thorough cleaning challenging. Dr. Scherer's decades of experience and advanced training allow him to navigate even the most complex root canal anatomy effectively.

The cleaning process involves multiple steps to ensure complete removal of infected tissue and bacteria. Dr. Scherer uses a series of small, flexible files to shape and clean each root canal, gradually increasing the size of the instruments to thoroughly debride the canal walls. Antimicrobial irrigation solutions are used throughout the cleaning process to eliminate bacteria and remove debris. This meticulous approach ensures that all infected material is removed, creating the best possible environment for healing.

Experiencing tooth pain that might require root canal treatment? Don't delay seeking care. Contact Dr. Scherer at (806) 412-0000 for prompt evaluation and treatment that can save your natural tooth.

Step 3: Disinfection and Shaping

After the initial cleaning, Dr. Scherer focuses on thoroughly disinfecting the root canal system and shaping the canals to receive the final filling material. This step is crucial for long-term success, as any remaining bacteria could lead to reinfection and treatment failure. He uses specialized antimicrobial solutions and techniques to eliminate bacteria from even the microscopic spaces within the root canal system.

The shaping process involves carefully enlarging and contouring the root canals to create a smooth, tapered shape that can be completely filled and sealed. This requires exceptional skill, as each canal must be shaped appropriately without weakening the tooth structure or creating perforations. Dr. Scherer's expertise with various endodontic instruments and techniques allows him to achieve optimal canal preparation even in challenging cases.

Multiple irrigation cycles with antimicrobial solutions ensure that the canal system is thoroughly disinfected. These solutions not only kill bacteria but also help dissolve organic debris and lubricate the instruments during the shaping process. Some cases may require medication to be placed in the tooth between appointments to further disinfect the canal system, particularly if there was significant infection present initially.

Step 4: Filling and Sealing

Once Dr. Scherer confirms that the root canals are completely clean and disinfected, he fills them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, along with a sealing paste. This filling material completely fills the canal space, preventing bacteria from re-entering and reinfecting the tooth. The gutta-percha is warmed and carefully placed using techniques that ensure complete filling of even the smallest canal branches.

The access hole created at the beginning of the procedure is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling material, depending on your specific case and the timing of your follow-up restoration. In some cases, Dr. Scherer may place a permanent composite filling if the tooth has sufficient remaining structure. However, many teeth requiring root canal treatment will need a crown for optimal protection and function.

The sealing process is critical for long-term success, as any leakage could allow bacteria to re-enter the treated tooth. Dr. Scherer takes great care to ensure complete sealing at both the root tips and the access point. Post-treatment X-rays confirm that the root canals are completely filled and that the treatment has been successful. This attention to detail in the final steps helps ensure that your treated tooth will remain healthy for many years.

Step 5: Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

Immediately following your root canal treatment, Dr. Scherer provides detailed post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing and comfort during recovery. While most patients experience minimal discomfort after root canal therapy, some mild soreness is normal as the surrounding tissues heal from the infection and inflammation that necessitated treatment. Over-the-counter pain medications are typically sufficient to manage any post-treatment discomfort.

You'll receive specific instructions about caring for your tooth during the healing period, including dietary recommendations and oral hygiene guidelines. It's important to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent restoration is placed, as the temporary filling is not designed to withstand heavy chewing forces. Dr. Scherer will also schedule your follow-up appointment to monitor healing and coordinate with your general dentist for the placement of your permanent restoration.

Most patients can return to normal activities the day after their root canal treatment, though you should avoid hard or sticky foods until your permanent restoration is in place. The practice provides emergency contact information in case you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns during your recovery period. Dr. Scherer's comprehensive post-treatment care ensures that you heal properly and that your treated tooth provides years of comfortable function.

What Happens After Root Canal Treatment

Following successful root canal therapy, your tooth will need a permanent restoration to protect it and restore full function. Many teeth requiring endodontic treatment have lost significant tooth structure due to decay or damage, making them more susceptible to fracture without proper protection. Dr. Scherer coordinates with your general dentist to ensure that your permanent restoration is placed in a timely manner.

The type of restoration needed depends on the amount of remaining tooth structure and the tooth's location in your mouth. Back teeth typically require crowns due to the heavy chewing forces they must withstand, while front teeth may sometimes be restored with large fillings if sufficient tooth structure remains. In cases where extensive tooth structure has been lost, post and core buildup may be necessary to provide adequate foundation for the final restoration.

With proper restoration and care, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can last for decades or even a lifetime. The success rate for root canal therapy exceeds 95% when performed by experienced endodontists like Dr. Scherer. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene help ensure the long-term success of your treatment. If problems do arise with a previously treated tooth, endodontic retreatment may be possible to save the tooth and avoid extraction.

The multi-specialty approach at Lubbock Dental Specialists ensures comprehensive care for all your dental needs. If root canal treatment is not successful or if a tooth cannot be saved, the practice's oral surgeons, Dr. Graves and Dr. Wilkinson, can provide tooth extractions and dental implants to restore your smile. However, Dr. Scherer's expertise in endodontic treatment means that most teeth can be successfully saved, allowing you to keep your natural teeth for life.

Ready to schedule your root canal treatment or have questions about the procedure? Contact Lubbock Dental Specialists at (806) 412-0000 today to experience comfortable, expert endodontic care with Dr. Scherer and his dedicated team.