Restorative Dentistry · Houston, TX · Se habla español
Many patients are relieved to learn that modern root canal treatment is a comfortable, routine procedure — and often the most effective way to preserve a natural tooth that has become deeply infected or inflamed. Dr. Maddipati will explain exactly what is happening with your tooth and what your options are, so you can make the best decision for yourself.
No forms required to call · Se habla español
If you are experiencing severe or worsening tooth pain, visible swelling in your face or jaw, fever, or difficulty swallowing, please call us right away — same-day appointments are available when capacity allows, and we want to help you promptly. For discomfort that is manageable, scheduling an evaluation as soon as is convenient is still a good step, so Dr. Maddipati can assess the situation and discuss your options with you.
Each of your teeth contains a soft inner space called the dental pulp — a collection of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that helped the tooth develop. Once a tooth is fully formed, the pulp can be safely removed without affecting the tooth's function, because the tooth continues to receive nourishment from the surrounding tissues.
When bacteria enter the pulp — most commonly through deep decay, a crack or fracture, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth — the pulp can become inflamed or infected. Root canal treatment (also called endodontic therapy) is the process of carefully removing this affected tissue, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and sealing them to prevent re-infection. The goal is to save your natural tooth and eliminate the source of discomfort.
Preserving your natural tooth is generally considered the most favorable outcome — it maintains the bone structure of your jaw, keeps neighboring teeth in their proper positions, and supports your ability to chew and speak comfortably. Dr. Maddipati will discuss all appropriate options with you at your evaluation.
Pulp involvement most often develops gradually. Tooth decay that is not addressed at an early stage can progress through the outer enamel and into the dentin — the softer layer beneath — and eventually reach the pulp. Once bacteria reach the pulp, inflammation and infection can follow.
Please note: These signs may have various causes. Only a clinical examination with appropriate X-rays can determine whether root canal treatment is appropriate for your situation. Dr. Maddipati will evaluate your tooth thoroughly and explain her findings clearly before recommending any course of action.
The steps below describe the general approach to root canal treatment. Every patient and every tooth is different — Dr. Maddipati will explain what your specific treatment will look like before anything begins.
Dr. Maddipati takes X-rays of the tooth to assess the extent of any infection and the shape of the root canals. She reviews these images with you and explains what she sees in plain language.
The area around the tooth is numbed thoroughly with local anesthetic before treatment begins. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the procedure is once the area is properly numbed.
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth. Specialized instruments are used to carefully remove the affected pulp tissue and clean and shape the root canals. The canals are rinsed with antimicrobial solutions to help eliminate bacteria.
The cleaned canals are filled and sealed with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) to prevent re-infection. The access opening is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
Because root canal treatment removes the pulp, the tooth may become more brittle over time. In many cases, Dr. Maddipati recommends placing a dental crown to protect and strengthen the tooth. She will discuss this with you and explain why it may be beneficial for your specific tooth.
The number of appointments required and the steps involved may vary based on the complexity of the tooth, the extent of infection, and your individual clinical circumstances. Dr. Maddipati will outline your personalized treatment plan before beginning.
When a tooth is severely infected or damaged, patients sometimes wonder whether it is better to save the tooth or simply have it removed. This is a completely reasonable question, and Dr. Maddipati will discuss both options openly with you based on your specific situation.
Not every tooth can or should be saved. Dr. Maddipati will evaluate your tooth thoroughly and give you her honest assessment of what is possible and what she recommends — and why.
Call us to describe your symptoms — our team will schedule you promptly and verify your insurance coverage before your visit.
Call 832-779-5522There are no rotating associates here. When you come to Mi Smile Family Dental, you see the same doctor each time — Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, who founded this practice with the goal of making quality dental care genuinely accessible to families in the Houston area.
Dr. Maddipati earned her Master of Public Health degree before completing her dental training — an uncommon path that shapes her approach to every patient encounter. She believes that understanding the whole person, not just the tooth in question, leads to better care and better outcomes.
She founded Mi Smile Family Dental at 11834 Airline Drive specifically to serve the North Houston community — including patients who rely on Medicaid or who have been hesitant to seek care due to cost concerns. She accepts Medicaid genuinely and verifies coverage personally before any treatment begins.
Patients frequently describe feeling heard and respected from the first phone call. Dr. Maddipati explains every finding in plain language, shows you your X-rays, and waits until you have a full understanding of your situation before recommending anything.
What your visit looks like — from the moment you call:
You call, we answer. Tell us what you're experiencing. Our team listens, asks the right questions, and schedules you accordingly. No hold music, no call trees.
Before picking up an instrument, she wants to understand what you've been experiencing — when it started, what it feels like, what concerns you. Your description guides the examination.
Dr. Maddipati examines the tooth carefully, takes targeted X-rays, and explains what she finds — in English or Spanish — as she goes. Nothing is rushed.
She explains what she has found, what the options are, and what each involves. Any cost discussion, including what your insurance covers, happens before treatment begins. You decide at your own pace.
These moments reflect what matters most — patients who arrived worried and left feeling cared for, informed, and at ease.
"I called in the morning and they got me in the same day. Dr. Maddipati was calm, thorough, and explained everything before touching anything. I left feeling so much better."
"I had been putting off going to the dentist for years. She never made me feel judged — took her time, explained everything, and checked in with me throughout. I finally trust a dentist."
"They verified my Medicaid before I arrived so I knew exactly what to expect. Clean office, no long wait, and the doctor answered every question I had. This is how dental care should feel."
"Dr. Maddipati is an exceptionally caring, compassionate, and talented dentist. I drive from the Champions area just to see her. Highly recommend!"
Reviews reflect individual patient experiences. Individual outcomes vary. Displayed with permission.
Cost should never be a barrier to care you need. We verify your coverage before your visit and explain any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins — so there are no surprises.
We are a proud Medicaid provider serving adult and pediatric patients. Texas Medicaid (STAR) covers endodontic treatment on certain teeth for eligible patients, and CHIP covers enrolled children. Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) dental plans are also accepted. We verify your specific benefits — including any prior authorization requirements — before scheduling treatment.
Most PPO dental plans include coverage for root canal treatment, typically as a major restorative benefit. The amount covered varies by plan and by which tooth is being treated. We will verify your benefits, explain your estimated out-of-pocket responsibility, and help you understand how to make the most of your plan.
Plans we work with include:
Aetna · Delta Dental · Cigna · MetLife · Guardian · Humana · United Healthcare · Texas Medicaid (STAR) · CHIP · Medicare Advantage · CareCredit · Sunbit financing
Coverage varies by individual plan and clinical circumstances. Financing is subject to lender approval. We verify your specific benefits before your appointment — please call us with your insurance information and we will check coverage for you at no charge.
Call to Verify Your Coverage — 832-779-5522These answers are for general educational purposes. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Maddipati for guidance specific to your situation.
Mi Smile Family Dental is conveniently located on Airline Drive in North Houston, and we are proud to welcome patients from our core service neighborhoods: Greenspoint (77060), Aldine (77037, 77038) along the Airline Drive corridor, Greenspoint North (77067) along I-45 north, and Greater Inwood / Hidden Valley (77088) near Hwy 290.
We also warmly welcome patients from North Houston near Spring (77073), North Houston District (77014), the FM 1960 / Champions area (77090, 77066), Aldine Far North (77039, 77032), Northside / Independence Heights (77076), Greater Inwood West (77086), Acres Home (77091), and Northeast Houston / Eastex-Jensen (77093). Wherever you are coming from, you are always welcome here.
Dr. Maddipati will evaluate your tooth, explain exactly what she finds, and discuss your options clearly — in English or Spanish. Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare Advantage, and most PPO plans are welcome.
Call 832-779-5522General Information Only — Not a Substitute for Professional Dental Advice. The content on this page is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute dental advice, diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Individual needs vary significantly. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH for a personalized evaluation. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call 832-779-5522 or visit your nearest emergency room. Content reviewed and updated 2026.
Reviewed by: Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH · Owner, Mi Smile Family Dental · Texas-Licensed DDS · Medicaid Provider · Last reviewed 2026
Also available in Spanish: Tratamiento de conducto radicular en Houston, TX
This page is intended for educational purposes only. Clinical recommendations are individualized based on a thorough examination. Content is not a substitute for professional dental evaluation. Last reviewed April 2026.
