Root canal treatment is a process that involves identifying, removing, and then cleaning infected or damaged tissue from the inside of a tooth, allowing you to save your tooth and maintain your oral health.

Why Would I Need a Root Canal?

Teeth have systems of nerves in their roots, normally organized into one or more canals depending on the tooth.

For various reasons, these nerves can be damaged or even die. Dead or damaged nerves are often painless, even when they become infected. Root canals become necessary when the pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth, made up of nerves and blood vessels) becomes inflamed or infected.

When the pulp becomes infected or damaged due to decay, injury, or trauma, it can lead to severe pain, sensitivity, and swelling. If a tooth has already had a root canal and becomes reinfected, it is often painless until the infection becomes quite large. Without treatment, the infection or reinfection can spread to other teeth, gums, or even your bloodstream, causing serious health problems.

Typically, cracked or broken teeth can be restored without the need for a root canal.

Did you know? 

• A fast root canal is not always a good root canal because time is needed to properly clean and disinfect the nerve system.
• The use of a CBCT (cone beam, CT), microscope, and gentlewave are examples of advanced technology that can help a dentist better understand and clean the anatomy of a root canal system.
• A painless root canal procedure or one that alleviates pain does not necessarily mean the procedure was done well or that the long terms success will be high. 
• Tooth pain does not necessarily mean that a root canal is needed. For example, many teeth that are broken or fractured may simply need a crown and NOT a root canal.
• Posterior teeth that have root canals should be crowned to prevent fracture. HOWEVER, teeth that have crowns do not necessarily need root canals.
• Once a root canal has been done on a tooth, if it becomes re-infected, it will often not have pain. A re-infected tooth often goes unnoticed by the patient until the infection grows to be quite large. 
• Teeth that have had root canals done very well, are often reported to feel “strange” for up to a year. This is especially true when pain was reported prior the root canal. 
• Root canals themselves, except in very unusual circumstances, should be PAINLESS. Pain most people associate with root canals is due to pain BEFORE the root canal.  
• Poster teeth that have root canals should be crowned, however the posterior teeth that have crowns, do not necessarily need root canals.  
• X-rays very often cannot be used to determine if a root canal is needed.
•  How well tooth a tooth is restored after a root canal can influence, as much or more than the root canal itself, the success of a root canal.

What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment usually involves several steps from beginning to end, which may require one or more appointments:

1. Examination: 
   Our dentist will examine your tooth and use 3D imaging to determine the extent of the damage and give a proper diagnosis. Cone Beam Computed Technology (CBCT) is the gold standard of imaging, creating a detailed image of your teeth's dental structure. CBCT analysis is a necessary part of executing and treating infected tooth pulp. Failing to perform CBCT before treatment is neglectful and can result in a botched root canal; CBCT scans are essential.
2. Anesthesia: 
   We will numb the area around your tooth to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
3. Access: 
   After numbing the area, we create a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp and the root canal system.
4. Cleaning: 
   We will then remove the infected or damaged pulp and clean the inside of the tooth.
5. Filling: 
   We will fill the root canal with a special material to prevent further infection.
6. Restoration: 
   Depending on the extent of the damage, we may place a filling or a crown to restore the tooth's function and appearance while also protecting it from future damage and infection.

Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?

Many people worry that root canal treatment will be painful. However, with modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients feel little or no discomfort during the procedure.

After the treatment, you may experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Teeth that have had successful root canals are often reported to feel strange for up to a year; this is especially true when pain was reported before the root canal was performed.

What Does a Successful Root Canal Look Like?

A successful root canal is not defined by painlessness or quickness. Instead, success is dependent on the doctor's ability and level of commitment to completely clean the tooth of bacteria and properly seal it after the cleaning. A root canal filling even 1 millimeter short or long can drastically increase the likelihood of reinfection.

Because all teeth do not have the same root canal systems (an incisor normally has one canal whereas a molar can have four or more), proper identification and preparation before the procedure is essential to pursuing long-term success. X-rays are often incapable of determining whether or not a root canal is necessary and can even be misleading. Skill, expertise, and technology are key to making a root canal effective.

Why Choose Our Practice for Root Canal Treatment?

An endodontist is a specially-trained dentist who focuses on the root canal system. The long-term success rate of a root canal, even when done by the world's best endodontist is less than 100%. However, the more skilled and technologically advanced the doctor, the better the long-term outcome. 

At our practice, we utilize the latest technology and techniques to provide safe, effective root canal treatment that saves your tooth and preserves your oral health for as long as possible. Our team of experienced dentists and staff are committed to ensuring your comfort and satisfaction with every aspect of your care.

If you think you may need root canal treatment or have any questions about the procedure, please contact us to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.