Root Canal Treatment
Saving Your Natural Tooth
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures, with more than 24 million performed each year. This safe, routine treatment relieves pain, saves your natural tooth, and helps you avoid more invasive options like implants or bridges. After all, nothing looks, feels, or functions quite like your own tooth.
So you’ve been told that you need a root canal
No need to panic! Technology has come a long way and modern endodontic treatment when done by an endodontist is a quick, comfortable experience that’s comparable to a routine dental filling. Millions of teeth are saved each year with endodontic treatment, allowing our patients to protect and maintain their natural dentition, function and aesthetics.
What Is a Root Canal?
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected — due to decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental work — it can cause pain and lead to an abscess if left untreated.
A root canal gently removes this diseased pulp, disinfects and shapes the canal, then seals it with a durable material. The procedure preserves the tooth structure so you can chew, smile, and speak naturally.
Do You Need a Root Canal?
Common signs and symptoms include:
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Tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure
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Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the source is removed
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Swelling, tenderness, or drainage in the gums
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Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
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Tenderness in nearby lymph nodes or bone
In some cases, you may not notice symptoms — your dentist or endodontist may detect the problem during an exam or X-ray.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
We make your comfort a priority. Modern techniques, anesthetics, and technology mean root canals are now as routine and comfortable as many other dental procedures.
Here’s what you can expect:
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Comfort first — The area is completely numbed so you won’t feel pain. A protective dental dam isolates the tooth.
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Cleaning — The infected pulp is removed, and the canals are carefully cleaned and disinfected.
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Sealing — The canals are filled with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) and sealed. A temporary filling is placed.
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Restoration — You’ll return to your general dentist to place a crown or permanent filling to strengthen and protect the tooth.
Most patients are pleasantly surprised at how quick and comfortable the process is.
Root Canal Treatment Educational Video
After Treatment & Recovery
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Mild tenderness or sensitivity is normal for a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
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You can usually return to normal activities the same or next day.
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A crown or permanent filling will fully restore function and appearance.
With proper care, a tooth that has had a root canal can last a lifetime.
Root Canal vs. Extraction
While extracting a tooth may seem like a quick fix, it often leads to more complex and expensive treatment later (implants, bridges, shifting teeth, bite problems).
Saving your natural tooth is almost always the best option for your oral health, comfort, and budget.
Cost & Insurance
Root canal therapy is generally more affordable than extraction and replacement with an implant or bridge. Costs vary depending on which tooth is treated and the complexity of the case.
Our office accepts most insurance plans and offers flexible payment options to make treatment accessible.
Are you experiencing a severe toothache?
Call us to schedule a consultation with Endodontic Specialist.