Root canal treatment can relieve pain and help preserve a tooth with inflamed or infected tissue inside it.
Inside a tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels. Decay, cracks, or injury can cause inflammation or infection. Root canal treatment removes affected tissue, cleans and seals the canals, and can help preserve the tooth. Treatment may take one or more visits, depending on the tooth and its condition.
An examination, appropriate tests, and X-rays help identify the cause of the problem. We use local anesthetic and check your comfort before treatment.
The inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and disinfected. You may feel vibration; tell us about discomfort so we can pause and adjust.
The canals are filled and sealed. A suitable final restoration and ongoing care help protect the treated tooth.
We plan the final restoration, often a crown for a back tooth, based on its location and remaining structure. This helps protect the tooth during chewing. Crown options include CEREC for suitable cases and laboratory-made crowns; the timing depends on the root canal treatment and the tooth’s condition.
Local anesthetic helps keep treatment comfortable. If you have a toothache before treatment, contact us for assessment. We’ll explain how promptly the tooth needs care and the risks of delay. If the tooth cannot be saved, we discuss extraction and suitable replacement options. Temporary soreness can occur after root canal treatment; contact us if pain persists or worsens.
Many root canals can be treated in our office. Severely curved, calcified, or unusually complex canals may need care from an endodontist using a microscope. We’ll explain any recommended referral before treatment.