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Root Canal Treatment

​​Get expert root canal treatment to relieve pain and save your tooth. Comfortable, effective care with long-lasting results.

Tooth anatomy illustrating root canal procedures.

Protect Your Teeth

Root Canal Treatment at The Dental Team

Intense toothache, heightened sensitivity, or an infection may indicate the necessity for a root canal to preserve your tooth and maintain oral health.

The Dental Team excels in providing gentle and effective root canals to eliminate infection, alleviate pain, and prevent additional damage. Although many fear that root canals are painful, with current methods and local anesthesia, most patients experience minimal discomfort—comparable to receiving a dental filling. A root canal allows you to retain your natural tooth, reducing the need for extractions and implants. If you're dealing with severe tooth pain or swelling, don't delay—book your consultation today to achieve quick relief.

Root Canal Treatment At a Glance

  • Alleviates tooth discomfort resulting from severe decay or infection
  • Eliminates bacteria and infected tissues within the tooth
  • Preserves natural teeth, avoiding extraction
  • Efficient and comfortable endodontic procedure using local anesthesia
  • Restores tooth functionality with a dental crown or filling

From Infection to Protection

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a vital dental procedure aimed at preserving a tooth suffering from severe decay or infection. When decay or injury penetrates the pulp (the inner nerve tissue) of the affected tooth, it can lead to significant pain, infection, and potential tooth loss if not addressed promptly.

In a root canal procedure, the dentist or endodontist meticulously removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and fills them with a biocompatible substance to seal the tooth and avert further infection.

After completing the root canal, the tooth is typically treated with a dental crown or filling to restore its strength and functionality.

Senior man smiling during dental check-up.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Unsure if you might require a root canal? Be aware of these indicators:

  • Persistent toothache, particularly when biting or chewing
  • Sensitivity to temperature changes that continues beyond a brief moment
  • Gum swelling or tenderness around a particular tooth area
  • Tooth darkening or discoloration
  • Pimple-like lesions (abscesses) on the gums
  • Pain that disrupts your sleep or intensifies over time

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an examination today. A root canal can halt the progress of the infection and help prevent tooth loss.

The Root Canal Procedure, Explained

What is the root canal procedure like?

A root canal treatment typically takes one to two visits, depending on the severity of the root canal infection. Here’s what happens during the procedure:

Step 1: Numbing the Area

A local anesthetic is applied to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure.

Step 2: Removing the Infected Tissue

The dentist drills a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp. The diseased tissue is carefully removed, and the root canals are cleaned and disinfected.

Step 3: Sealing the Tooth

Root canal filling with a rubber-like material can prevent further infection.

Step 4: Restoring the Tooth

Most root canal-treated teeth require a dental crown to restore their strength and function, but some may only need a filling.

Once the root canal treatment is completed, the tooth will function normally, and you’ll be free from pain.

Smiling woman in dental chair, feeling happy.

Making the Right Choice

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction

If you're dealing with a severely infected or damaged tooth, you might be contemplating whether a root canal or extraction is the better choice for you.

  • A root canal preserves your natural tooth, enabling proper chewing and maintaining a healthy bite.
  • An extraction may necessitate a dental implant or bridge to fill the gap left by the missing tooth.

Generally, dentists advocate for saving the natural tooth when feasible, making a root canal the preferred approach.

Support for a Smooth Recovery

Root Canal Recovery & Aftercare

Many patients return to their daily routines the same day or soon after their treatment. Here's how you can take care of your tooth post-root canal:

  • Refrain from chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration is completed.
  • Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate any minor discomfort.
  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene—brush, floss, and use an antibacterial mouthwash.
  • Keep up with follow-up appointments to ensure healing and proper restoration placement.

Once completely healed, your restored tooth will perform like a natural one.

Don't Wait. Find Relief Today.

Root Canal Results

Patients experience quick pain relief following a root canal treatment as the infected pulp is removed. Some may notice slight sensitivity for a few days, which usually diminishes as the tooth recovers. After receiving your final filling or dental crown, your tooth will feel and function like normal.

You can expect:

  • Pain relief once the infection is eliminated
  • A fully functional, natural-looking tooth restored with a filling or crown
  • No more sensitivity to temperatures or sugary foods
  • Enhanced chewing ability without discomfort or risk of additional infection

A root canal preserves your natural tooth, allowing you to maintain a healthy bite and confident smile for years to come.

Root Canal Frequently Asked Questions

If you're experiencing an ongoing toothache, heightened sensitivity to temperatures, swollen gums, or a small bump near the affected area, you might need a root canal. Discoloration of the tooth or discomfort while chewing could also signal significant decay or infection. A dentist or endodontist will determine if a root canal is required after examining you and taking X-rays.

Typically, a root canal takes 60-90 minutes per tooth and is often completed in one or two appointments. In cases of severe infection, your dentist may apply a temporary filling and arrange another visit for the final treatment.

With advancements in dental care and local anesthesia, undergoing a root canal is as comfortable as getting any dental work. Many people feel immediate relief from discomfort once the infection is cleared.

You might experience slight soreness or sensitivity post-procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

A well-performed root canal can last for many years with diligent oral care. The treated tooth could still face risks like cracks or reinfection, which is why using a dental crown is advised for added protection. Routine dental visits and good oral hygiene practices will help sustain your treated tooth's longevity.

The expenses for a root canal are influenced by factors such as the tooth's position, infection severity, and required restoration. Generally, dental insurance covers part of these costs, easing financial concerns regarding treatment.

Your personalized treatment plan and cost outline will be provided before proceeding with the procedure.

You can typically drive home following your root canal appointment since only local anesthesia is administered. However, if you undergo any form of sedation dentistry during the procedure, it will be necessary to arrange for someone to drive you home.

An untreated tooth requiring a root canal may lead to an infection spreading to adjacent teeth and gums or even reaching the jawbone. This can result in intense pain, abscess development, and potentially losing teeth. In rare instances, untreated dental infections could trigger critical health issues that necessitate urgent medical attention.