What it is
Treating the inside of the tooth, so the tooth itself can stay
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, made of nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack, or an injury lets bacteria reach it, the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. A root canal removes that tissue, disinfects the canals, and seals them. The outer tooth and its root stay in place.
Signs you may need one
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, long after the drink is gone
- Sharp pain when you bite down or chew
- A throbbing ache that wakes you at night
- Swelling, tenderness, or a small bump on the gum
- A tooth that has darkened after an injury
- Deep decay or a crack your dentist says has reached the nerve
Some infected teeth cause no pain at all. An exam and 3D image tell us for certain.
Why save the tooth
Nothing works quite like your natural tooth
Relief at the source
The inflamed or infected pulp is removed, so the pain that brought you in goes away with it.
Your own tooth stays
No gap, no bridge, no implant. A treated tooth looks, feels, and chews like the one you have always had.
Usually one visit
Most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes. Many people return to work or school the next day.
Built to last
With a crown from your dentist and routine care, a treated tooth can last a lifetime.
Common questions
What patients ask us most
Does a root canal hurt?
The procedure feels much like having a filling. The tooth is fully numbed first, and most people say the toothache before treatment was far worse than the visit itself.
How long is recovery?
Expect some tenderness for a few days, usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most people go back to normal activities the next day.
Will I need a crown?
Most back teeth need a crown after a root canal to protect them from cracking. Your general dentist places it, typically within a few weeks, and we coordinate timing with them.
What are the alternatives?
The only alternative is removing the tooth. Replacing it with an implant or bridge usually takes longer, costs more, and involves more procedures than saving it.
Is it covered by insurance?
Most dental plans cover part of root canal therapy. We check your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment. See insurance and financing.
Do I need a referral?
No. Many patients are referred by their dentist, but you can call us directly.
Talk it through with us
Tell us what you are feeling and we will find you a time, often within the week.