Patient Services

Root Canal Therapy

Some indications that a tooth may need a root canal are:

• A tooth that hurts significantly when you bite down on it, touch it or push on it
• Sensitivity to heat and cold
• Swelling near the affected tooth
• A discolored tooth, with or without pain
• A broken tooth

An untreated cavity is also a common cause of pulp infection and may lead to a root canal. Decay erodes the enamel and dentin structures of the tooth until it reaches the center, or pulp, of the tooth. Once the pulp becomes infected, the infection can travel down the root of the tooth and infect the bone around the tooth, causing an abscess to form.  The goal of endodontics, or root canal therapy is to save the tooth by removing the infected pulp tissue and filling the empty canals with a rubber-like material, known as gutta percha. If root canal treatment is not done, the tooth may have to be removed.

To determine whether your tooth needs endodontics therapy, we will do a localized examination of the affected tooth and surrounding areas, including placement of hot or cold substances against the tooth, gently tapping on the tooth, and taking an x-ray of the affected areas.

How long does a root canal take?

Usually root canals require one visit to complete. Certain teeth may be more difficult to treat because of the position of the tooth or the shape and number of the roots.  These teeth may require additional visits or referral to an endodontic specialist.