Root Canal Therapy

When the inner tissue of your tooth (the pulp) becomes damaged or infected, root canal therapy, also called endodontic treatment, allows your dentist to remove the infection, relieve pain, and save your natural tooth. Rather than extracting the tooth, this treatment preserves the root and crown so you can continue to chew and smile comfortably.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth. The empty space is then cleaned, disinfected, shaped, and sealed with a biocompatible material.

After the root canal is complete, the tooth is usually restored with a crown or filling so it can function normally again.

Why Does Tooth Pulp Become Damaged?

The pulp is protected by layers of dentin and enamel above the gumline and cementum below it. When those protective layers are compromised, bacteria can reach the pulp and cause inflammation or infection.

Common causes of pulp damage include:

• Deep decay or large cavities

• Cracked or chipped teeth

• Trauma or injury to the tooth

• Advanced periodontal (gum) disease

• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth

If the pulp is not treated, the infection can spread, leading to severe pain, abscess formation, and possible tooth loss.

Note: If an abscess is present before treatment, full healing can sometimes take up to two years, even though symptoms improve much sooner.

What Symptoms Might Mean You Need a Root Canal?

You may need root canal therapy if you notice one or more of the following:

• Persistent or throbbing toothache

• Pain when chewing or applying pressure

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers

• Swelling or tenderness in the gums

• Darkening or discoloration of the tooth

• A pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth

Only a dentist can confirm if a root canal is needed, so it is important to schedule an exam if you experience these symptoms.

What Can You Expect After Root Canal Therapy?

After treatment, it is normal to feel mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days, especially when chewing. This usually improves with time.

Post-treatment expectations:

• Any soreness is usually manageable with over the counter pain relievers

• You should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration is placed

• Good brushing and flossing are essential to keep the area healthy

If pain worsens instead of improving, or if you notice swelling, contact the office so the tooth can be evaluated.

Why Choose Root Canal Therapy Instead of Extraction?

Keeping your natural tooth has several advantages:

• Maintains your natural bite and chewing function

• Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of position

• Helps preserve jawbone that would be lost after extraction

• Avoids the need for more involved replacement procedures

Root canal therapy allows you to keep your own tooth in place and continue using it comfortably for many years with proper care.

How Much Does Root Canal Therapy Cost?

The cost of root canal treatment can vary based on:

• Which tooth is involved (front teeth, premolars, and molars have different complexities)

• The extent of infection or damage

• Whether additional procedures, such as a crown, are needed

In most cases, root canal therapy is more cost-effective than extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge, since replacement options usually require multiple procedures and higher overall fees.