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Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.  In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold.
  • Severe toothache pain.
  • Sometimes no symptoms are present.
  • Swelling and/or tenderness.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
  • Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.  An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria.  If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials.  A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth.  In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed.  This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment.  Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is a dental procedure used to save a tooth that has become severely decayed, infected, or damaged. During treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp inside the tooth is removed, the inner chamber and canals are cleaned and disinfected, and the space is filled and sealed with a special dental material. A crown is then placed to restore the tooth to full function.

Root canal therapy is needed when the pulp inside your tooth — which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue — becomes infected or inflamed. Common causes include deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, a cracked or chipped tooth, or a serious blow to the tooth that injures the nerve, even if there’s no visible damage.

Common warning signs include severe or lingering toothache pain, sharp sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is removed, pain when chewing or applying pressure, swelling or tenderness in nearby gums, a small pimple or abscess on the gum, or darkening of the tooth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are present and the problem is only spotted on an X-ray.

No, the procedure itself is not painful. Thanks to modern anesthesia and techniques, a root canal feels very similar to getting a routine filling. Most patients say the worst pain was the toothache before treatment, and they feel immediate relief once the infected pulp is removed.

Most root canals can be completed in one or two appointments lasting about 60 to 90 minutes each. The exact time depends on which tooth is being treated (back molars have more canals than front teeth) and how complex the infection is. We’ll give you a clear time estimate before treatment begins.

Extraction may sound easier, but it usually creates bigger and more expensive problems down the line. A missing tooth allows surrounding teeth to shift, can cause bite problems, jawbone loss, and difficulty chewing. Replacing it with an implant or bridge typically costs more than a root canal. Saving your natural tooth is almost always the better long-term choice.

 Root canal therapy has a success rate of about 95% and most treated teeth last a lifetime with proper care. On rare occasions, a tooth may develop a new infection and need retreatment or further work, but the vast majority of patients enjoy decades of healthy function from their treated tooth.

First, we numb the area with local anesthesia. A small protective sheet called a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and clean. We then make a small opening on the top of the tooth, gently remove the infected pulp and nerve tissue with very fine instruments, clean and shape the canals, and fill them with a sealing material. The opening is closed with a temporary or permanent filling, and a crown is usually placed later to protect the tooth.

In most cases, yes — especially for back teeth that do the heaviest chewing. A root canal removes the inner pulp, which leaves the tooth more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown reinforces the tooth, restores its natural shape and function, and protects your investment in the treatment.

Some mild soreness or tenderness is normal for a few days as the tissue around the tooth heals. Most patients manage this easily with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated side until your final crown is placed, and call us if you experience severe pain, swelling, or your bite feels off.

Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the next day. Mild tenderness usually resolves within 2 to 3 days. The treated tooth will continue to settle and feel completely normal within a week or two, especially once the permanent crown is placed.

Root canals are very safe and complications are uncommon. In rare cases, a tooth may develop a new infection, a canal may be missed due to complex root anatomy, or a tooth may fracture if it isn’t properly crowned. We use modern imaging and techniques to minimize these risks and will discuss any specific concerns about your tooth in advance.

Yes, though it’s uncommon. A root-canal-treated tooth can occasionally develop a new infection months or years later due to a missed canal, a cracked crown that lets bacteria in, or new decay. In those cases, root canal retreatment can often save the tooth without needing an extraction.

Most root canals can be prevented with consistent care. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary foods and drinks, wear a mouthguard for sports or nighttime grinding, and visit us every six months for checkups and cleanings. Catching decay or cracks early often means a simple filling can save the tooth before the nerve is affected