Root Canals & Endodontic Treatment in Plano, TX
Looking for the Top Endodontist in Plano, TX?
Our Approach to Endodontic Treatment
If you're experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, you may be searching for an endodontist near me. Choosing the right endodontist is crucial to ensure your root canal is performed successfully. At Plano Family Dental, Dr. Gary Randall Middleton, often referred to as Dr. Randy Middleton, is the leading endodontist serving Plano, TX, and surrounding areas.
What is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in saving damaged teeth. While general dentists can perform root canals, endodontists devote their entire practice to root canal procedures and treatments involving tooth pulp. With advanced training and expertise in endodontic care, endodontists like Dr. Middleton provide exceptional treatment to give patients the best chance of saving their natural teeth.
Why Choose an Endodontist for Root Canal Treatment?
While both general dentists and endodontists perform root canals, endodontists are specialists dedicated solely to root canal treatment. Their advanced skills, knowledge, and technologies allow them to perform more precise and thorough procedures.
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Why Choose Plano Family Dental?
The Root Canal Process
Step 1
Initial Exam Your journey begins with a thorough examination to determine if root canal therapy is your best option. Dr. Joseph will review your X-rays and perform tests to evaluate your tooth's condition and nerve health. We'll explain why a root canal is necessary and address any concerns you might have about the procedure.
Step 2
Root Canal Therapy Your comfort is our priority. We offer various sedation options and use the latest techniques for a pain-free experience. The procedure typically takes just one visit. We'll remove the infected tissue, clean the canals thoroughly, and seal them with a biocompatible material. Before you leave, we'll provide a temporary cown and detailed aftercare instructions and schedule your follow-up appointment.
Step 3
Permanent Protection About two weeks after your root canal, you'll return for your final restoration – usually a custom crown. This step is crucial for protecting your treated tooth and ensuring its long-term success. We'll remove the temporary filling and prepare your tooth for a permanent crown. Your new crown will be designed to last for years while maintaining your tooth's strength and appearance.
Step 4
Finally, Dr. Joseph will check your bite and polish the filling for a natural look and comfortable feel.
Meet Dr. Middleton
Meet Dr. Gary Randall Middleton II, Top Endodontist in Plano Dr. Gary Randall Middleton, who prefers to be called Dr. Randy Middleton, is a Dallas native and a leader in endodontic care. He brings a philosophy of undivided attention to each patient, striving to make endodontic treatment comfortable and to build lasting relationships. As a member of the American Association of Endodontists, Dr. Middleton is committed to continuous professional development, attending conferences and educational programs regularly.
Dr. Middleton, his wife, and two sons are proud residents of Plano, Texas. When not practicing endodontics, he enjoys golfing and traveling.
His education includes:
- Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Texas, Dallas
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio (graduated magna cum laude)
- General Practice Residency, Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Advanced Specialty Education in Endodontics, University of Nebraska Medical Center
He holds memberships with:
American Dental Association
- Texas Dental Association
- American Association of Endodontists
With his advanced endodontic training, Dr. Middleton performs all aspects of root canal therapy. Services he provides include:
- Root canal treatment
- Root canal retreatment when initial treatment fails
- Apicoectomies or root end surgery
- Treatment of dental trauma, cracks, and fractures
- Management of dental pain emergencies
- Vital pulp therapy to save damaged pulp tissue
Dr. Middleton utilizes advanced technologies like digital imaging, microscopes, ultrasonics, and nickel-titanium instruments for superior root canal treatments. His commitment to patient comfort ensures an anxiety-free visit.
Trust Plano’s Top Endodontist for Your Root Canal If you’ve been told you need a root canal or are looking for an endodontist near me, choose the team of specialists at Plano Family Dental. Dr. Randy Middleton is the leading endodontist in Plano, providing precise, gentle, and advanced root canal treatments. With his expertise, you can feel confident in a successful outcome.
FAQs
Advanced diagnostics to accurately identify issues
Use of specialized equipment like microscopes for superior visualization
Advanced techniques to fully clean, disinfect, and shape root canal systems
Better outcomes with reduced need for re-treatment
More comfortable procedures with advanced anesthesia options
Expertise with more complex cases and root canal revisions
By choosing an endodontist for your root canal, you can feel confident you're getting the absolute best care available.
Our experienced in-house specialist endodontist will perform your root canal.
You may consider using Dr. Joseph as your emergency dentist in Plano if
You experience any of the following symptoms:
- Hot/cold sensitivity
- “Pimple” on gum near tooth
- Severe biting/chewing pain
He will assess your need for an endodontic specialist through some brief, painless tests, an x-ray, and a thorough history of symptoms. If the nerve of the tooth is infected, the name of a qualified board-certified specialist in root canals will be provided to you. Any information will be sent to the specialist along with a letter or phone call of explanation to the Endodontist you choose. The specialist’s office will then communicate back to Dr Joseph regarding your treatment.
Sometimes teeth that are infected do not have any symptoms or outward signs. The infection can be seen on an x-ray, though.
Dr Joseph relies on some of the best root canal specialists in Plano to take excellent care of our patients who need endodontic care.
There are surgical procedures that can be performed to save a tooth other than a root canal.
The most common is called an apicoectomy, or root-end surgery which may be needed when inflammation or infection persists in the area around the end of your tooth after a root canal procedure.
There’s no need to worry about surgery if the specialist recommends it. Advanced technologies they use such as digital imaging and operating microscopes allow these procedures to be performed quickly, comfortably, successfully, and with a more predictable outcome.
With modern technology and anesthetics, you won’t experience any more pain than if you were to have a cavity filled.
Most of the discomfort associated with needing a root canal is experienced before the root canal is performed when the infection is present. Removing the nerve will clear the infection.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, Over-the-counter medications are usually enough to manage this sensitivity. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary and are available from your endodontist. Most cases can be treated quickly and comfortably.
Contact us for any additional questions or explanations or for any emergency dental needs. We are here to help!
Should you experience any emergency pain after treatment, please contact Dr. Joseph in Plano, or the specialist if you saw one. Some people wonder why they may still experience pain if the nerve is removed.
The inner, damaged tissue of your tooth has been removed during the root canal treatment. However, your tooth is still alive on the outside. Your pain comes from having had an infection and/or inflammation in the bone along the outside of the tooth. Even though the dentist has removed the main nerve from the tooth, there are still small nerves in the ligaments and tissue surrounding the tooth. When this area is inflamed, such as after a dental procedure, these nerve endings can also register discomfort.
The specialist’s office staff will be happy to go over all fees and insurance considerations. In general, root canal therapy costs will vary depending on the tooth being treated. Multiple rooted teeth are usually more costly due to multiple nerves being treated, and increased time and complexity.
Usually, some type of final restoration is needed after a root canal. Dr Joseph specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry and will place the final restoration after consulting with the endodontist.
After root canal treatment, a natural tooth will become brittle and will need to be restored with a crown to strengthen and cover it to prevent chipping/breaking. If the tooth already has a crown on it, the root canal can be performed through the crown and a small filling placed to seal it. The endodontic specialist does not do any restorative work. After treatment is complete and the tooth is ready for restoration, the endodontist will inform Dr. Joseph and restorative work can start.
You should avoid eating until numbness from the anesthetic has completely disappeared so that you don’t accidentally bite an area that hasn’t yet regained feeling.
Soft foods are generally recommended after your procedure to avoid irritation and let your mouth recover for a day or two. You should be cautious about biting on anything hard with the treated tooth until the final restoration is complete.
If you are experiencing pain, feel free to contact us at (972) 867-5090 to arrange for an emergency dental visit to our office. You will be seen promptly and examined. When referred to a specialist, one of our business office team members will give you pertinent information, assist you in making an appointment and send any information we have gathered to the specialist for his use.