Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to save a natural tooth by removing infected, damaged, or dead nerve tissue from inside the tooth. After numbing the area, a small opening in the tooth is made to remove infected tissue and eliminate bacteria before sealing the canal system to prevent reinfection of the tooth.

If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain, prolonged hot/cold sensitivity, tenderness with biting, or tooth discoloration, you may be exhibiting common symptoms requiring root canal therapy.

A root canal treatment is completed to restore and maintain your existing tooth. Saving your natural tooth helps maintain normal biting force, appearance, and prevents surrounding teeth from shifting.

No. Modern advances in technique and local anesthesia is used to numb the area making the procedure virtually painless. It is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling done.

The length of treatment depends on the tooth that is worked on. An anterior tooth may take up to an hour for treatment. A posterior tooth such as a molar may take between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Root canal therapy is often completed in a single visit.

Mild tenderness or sensitivity to pressure can be normal for several days which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid eating in the area until the numbness has resolved and avoid chewing hard or crunchy foods on the treated tooth until a final restoration is placed.

A permanent crown is usually placed by your general dentist afterward to protect the tooth and restoring it to its full function. This generally should be done within 4 to 6 weeks after root canal therapy is completed to prevent the tooth from fracturing.