Saving your natural tooth
In a root canal procedure, the pulp of the tooth (the living tissue inside) is removed, and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated dental materials that restore the tooth to full function. Using root canal therapy not only preserves your natural tooth, extending its lifetime, but it also protects and preserves the jawbone and other supporting tissues around the tooth. Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth will save you from more pain and expense in the future.
There are several signs that suggest root canal therapy may be necessary:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Red or swollen gums near the tooth
- Discoloration of the tooth
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
The root canal treatment plan
A root canal treatment usually requires one or two office visits and is performed by either a dentist or an endodontist. Here’s how we perform your root canal:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The first step is an X-ray of the tooth and surrounding bone to determine what is causing your symptoms. Your specialist may prescribe antibiotics to help control infection and inflammation. The pressure from infected swelling is what makes an abscess so painful and is often the cause of pain during a root canal. Reducing this inflammation in advance removes this factor during the procedure.
Prepping the Tooth
When we’re ready to perform the root canal, we will patiently numb the area before freezing your gums, teeth, and tissues. Your comfort and peace of mind are very important to us. Once you’re comfortable, an access hole is drilled into the tooth. The pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and related debris are removed.
Sealing the Tooth
Depending on the severity of the abscess, we may put some medicine inside the tooth to completely clear up any infection. If the procedure requires multiple visits, a temporary filling or temporary crown will be applied. By this point, you will already feel some relief. Only when your tooth is thoroughly cleaned and healthy can it be permanently sealed.
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
Damage can occur due to deep decay, trauma, dead nerve tissue, a loose filling or crown, or a crack or chip in the tooth.
Thanks to modern techniques and technology, along with a compassionate dental philosophy, our highly trained team of dentists and hygienists can provide root canal treatments with minimal to no pain at all.
By the time you realize you need a root canal, your tooth pulp and nerve have already started to decay. This infected tissue will never fully heal and would only become infected again. Removing the pulp is the only safe option.
A root canal treatment usually requires one or two office visits. Simple or minor root canal cases typically take about 30 to 60 minutes, while more complex cases take longer, around 90 minutes.
That depends on your insurance coverage. After a consultation, we can provide you with an estimate to send to your provider. We strongly encourage you to prioritize a root canal. Please speak with us if you feel any hesitation.
Typically, you need a dental crown after a root canal on your back grinding teeth, molars, and premolars. Front teeth, canines, and incisors may not require a dental crown.
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