Pampa Dental Arts

Christopher S. Mohr, DDS

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(806) 665-0921

General and Emergency Dentistry

Pampa Dental Arts > Services > I have an infected or abscessed tooth

Contrary to what many people believe, root canals don't cause pain—they relieve it!

Root Canal Treatment in Pampa, TX

A woman smiling to the dentist before getting a Root Canal Treatment in Pampa, TX Do you have a severe toothache? Are your teeth extremely sensitive to touch? You might have an infected or abscessed tooth, but you don’t have to look far for treatment. Dr. Chris Mohr is pleased to offer skilled root canal treatment at our Pampa, TX, dental office to relieve your pain.

How Does a Tooth Become Infected?

Deep inside each tooth is a space called the pulp chamber. The dental pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that keep the tooth healthy and alive. When bacteria reach this space due to a deep cavity, crack in the tooth, or trauma, the pulp becomes infected, inflamed, and painful.

At this stage, Dr. Mohr would recommend root canal treatment as the best option to eliminate pain and save the tooth. This procedure removes the damaged pulp, clears away the infection, and seals the tooth to prevent future problems.

Benefits of Prompt Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is needed to preserve an infected or abscessed tooth and save it from extraction. It may be tempting to postpone the procedure, but there are several reasons why seeking prompt treatment is the wisest decision:

Saves Your Natural Tooth

Root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it extracted. Preserving your natural tooth maintains proper bite function, prevents shifting of surrounding teeth, and supports your jaw structure and facial appearance over time.

Relieves Pain Quickly

An infected tooth can cause excruciating pain that impacts your quality of life. Root canal treatment removes the source of infection and inflammation, providing immediate relief from pain that over-the-counter medications simply can't address effectively.

Prevents Serious Complications

Left untreated, a dental infection can spread to surrounding tissues, your jawbone, and even enter your bloodstream. This can lead to serious health complications, including abscesses, bone loss, and, in rare cases, life-threatening infections. Root canal treatment stops the infection before it can spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to get root canal treatment or a tooth extraction?

When a tooth is severely infected or damaged, there are two options: save it with root canal treatment or remove it completely through extraction.

Why We Recommend Root Canal Treatment

In most cases, Dr. Mohr recommends root canal treatment whenever possible. Here's why:

Preserving your natural tooth offers significant benefits. Natural teeth work together, each playing an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper alignment. Once extracted, a tooth leaves a gap that can cause neighboring teeth to shift, creating bite problems and potential jaw pain.
Root canal treatment addresses the infection while keeping the natural tooth structure intact. Modern techniques make this procedure comfortable, and success rates are extremely high. After treatment, your tooth can function normally for many years or even a lifetime with proper care.
Extraction may seem simpler initially, but it creates the need for tooth replacement, which is an additional expense. Without replacement, you risk bone loss in your jaw, shifting teeth, and changes to your facial appearance over time.

Special Considerations for Tooth Extraction

That said, there are situations where extraction might be the better option:

When a tooth is too severely damaged to save
If the infection has destroyed too much supporting bone
When financial considerations are a priority

Dr. Mohr offers both root canal treatment and tooth extractions at our Pampa, TX, dental office for your convenience. During your consultation, he’ll evaluate your situation and recommend the best option for your long-term oral health. Call (806) 665-0921 to schedule an appointment and discuss the right solution for your needs.

Signs You Might Need Root Canal Treatment

Warning signs that indicate you might need root canal treatment include:

Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure
Lingering tooth sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures
Tooth darkening or discoloration
Gum swelling or tenderness in the area
A whitish bump or “pimple” on the gums
Facial swelling on the side of the affected tooth

If you experience any of these symptoms, Pampa Dental Arts offers same-day emergency appointments for patients in pain, so call us right away. We’ll do everything possible to complete your treatment in one visit or at least stabilize the situation and relieve your pain.

Root Canal Treatment Recovery

After your procedure, you may experience mild discomfort for a few days, which you can manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients return to their usual routine the next day.

To protect the treated tooth, Dr. Mohr will likely recommend placing a crown over it. This restoration prevents fractures and protects the tooth so it will function normally for many years.

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Dr. Chris Mohr

Dr. Mohr completed his undergraduate education in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he attended Union College. He graduated summa cum ...

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Your Comfort Is Important to Us

We understand the root canals' poor reputation. Even though the myths aren't true—root canals relieve pain, don't cause it—we take your concerns seriously and will do everything to ensure your comfort. Advanced numbing techniques, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), the latest technology, and Dr. Mohr's skill and experience provide an efficient and stress-free procedure.

Don't Suffer with Tooth Pain—Get Help Today

If you're experiencing tooth pain or any signs of infection, call Dr. Mohr at (806) 665-0921 for prompt emergency root canal treatment at our Pampa, TX, dental office.

We proudly serve patients from all surrounding communities, including Canadian, Wheeler, White Deer, Shamrock, Perryton, McLean, and throughout the Northeastern Texas Panhandle.

I have an infected or abscessed tooth Technology

Dental Operating Microscope in Pampa, TX

The dental operating microscope provides powerful magnification (up to 20x) and illuminates tiny details inside tooth structures. This precision instrument allows Dr. Mohr to see minute canals, cracks, and anatomical features during root canal treatment that would be invisible to the naked eye. The enhanced visualization helps locate all canals, remove infected tissue more thoroughly, and preserve more healthy tooth structure. Patients benefit from more successful outcomes, reduced retreatment rates, and preservation of natural teeth that might otherwise be lost.

Ultrasonic Activation for Endodontics in Pampa, TX

To keep your root canal treatment as comfortable and successful as possible, we use a special technology called ultrasonic activation. It uses tiny sound waves to help clean and disinfect the root canals more thoroughly, reaching areas brushes and tools can’t. This means a deeper clean, better healing, and added peace of mind—all without anything feeling different during your visit.

Nitrous Oxide or "Laughing Gas" in Pampa TX

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a safe, mild sedative gas mixed with oxygen that you breathe through a small nose mask. Patients feel calm and relaxed while remaining fully conscious. Dr. Mohr offers nitrous oxide for patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures. The effects begin quickly and wear off within minutes after treatment, allowing you to drive yourself home afterward. Patients appreciate reduced anxiety, increased comfort during procedures, and no lingering drowsiness, making dental visits more pleasant and comfortable.

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