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Learn MoreA root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infected or badly decayed teeth. It involves removing the damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning and shaping the root canal, and then filling and sealing the space to protect it from further infection.
A root canal is a treatment designed to save a tooth that has been badly damaged due to decay, infection, or injury. During the procedure, our skilled dentists remove the damaged pulp from inside the tooth, clean and shape the root canal, and fill and seal the space. Root canal therapy alleviates pain, prevents further infection, and helps you maintain your natural tooth.
During a root canal, the dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth. A small access hole is made in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canal. The damaged pulp is removed, and the root canal is cleaned, shaped, and disinfected. The root canal is then filled and sealed with a biocompatible material. Finally, a crown is usually placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its function.
After a root canal, you may experience some sensitivity and discomfort for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been fully restored with a crown. Practice good oral hygiene, brushing twice a day and flossing daily, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Modern root canal procedures are usually no more painful than having a filling placed, thanks to advancements in techniques and anesthesia.
Most root canals can be completed in one or two visits of about 60-90 minutes each.
It depends on the type of anesthesia used. If you receive only local anesthesia, you should be able to drive yourself home. If you receive sedation, you'll need someone to drive you.
In most cases, yes. A crown helps protect the treated tooth and restore its function.
If you have an infected tooth and don't get a root canal, the infection can spread to other parts of your body and cause serious health problems. You may also lose the tooth.
