Saving your natural tooth
A root canal is a treatment that removes the damaged or infected pulp from inside your tooth. Once the pulp is removed, the space is cleaned and filled with special dental materials that restore the tooth’s function and strength.
Root canal therapy does more than just stop pain. It helps you keep your natural tooth and preserves the health of the surrounding bone and tissue. In most cases, saving your natural tooth is the best option for long term comfort and cost.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Ongoing or severe tooth pain
- Red or swollen gums around the tooth
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- A bump or pimple on the gums (often a sign of an abscess)
You may need a root canal if you are experiencing:
The root canal treatment plan
A root canal typically takes one or two appointments and is performed by a dentist or endodontist. Here is what to expect:
Diagnosis and planning
We begin with an x ray to examine the tooth and surrounding bone. If infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed ahead of time to reduce inflammation. Much of the pain associated with an abscess is caused by pressure, so reducing swelling in advance helps make the procedure more comfortable.
Preparing the tooth
Once you are ready for treatment, we will gently numb the area. Your comfort is always a priority. After freezing the gums and nearby tissue, we create a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp. All decayed tissue, bacteria, and debris are carefully removed.
Sealing and protecting the tooth
If the infection is significant, we may apply medication inside the tooth before sealing it. In some cases, a temporary filling is placed between visits. Once the tooth is fully cleaned and healed, a permanent filling or crown will be placed to protect and restore the tooth.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
The pulp inside your tooth can be damaged by deep decay, trauma, a dead nerve, a loose filling or crown, or a crack or chip in the tooth.
Thanks to modern tools and techniques, root canals are now performed with very little discomfort. Our team takes a gentle and caring approach to help make the experience as easy as possible.
No. Antibiotics may help manage infection temporarily, but they cannot remove the infected pulp. Once the nerve and tissue inside the tooth begin to break down, the only solution is to remove them through a root canal.
A straightforward root canal may take 30 to 60 minutes. More complex cases can take around 90 minutes and may require a second visit.
Coverage depends on your dental insurance plan. After your consultation, we can provide a detailed estimate to help you check with your provider. We strongly recommend moving forward with treatment as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
In most cases, yes. Molars and premolars often need a crown to protect them after root canal therapy. Front teeth such as incisors and canines may not always require a crown, but we will let you know what is best based on your specific case.
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