Root Canal Therapy
Treat an Infected or Damaged Tooth
Save a Damaged Tooth With Root Canal Therapy
When the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or discomfort when biting. This may develop because of deep decay, cracks, previous dental work, or an injury to the tooth. Root canal therapy removes the affected tissue from inside the tooth so the tooth can be cleaned, sealed, and restored.
At Deer Lake Dental, our dentists assess your symptoms and the condition of the tooth to determine whether root canal treatment is appropriate.
Treat Infection Inside the Affected Tooth
Help Preserve Your Natural Tooth Structure
Relieve Pain Caused by Tooth Inflammation
Restore Comfortable Biting and Chewing Function
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment
During root canal therapy, the affected tissue is removed from inside the tooth and the root canals are carefully cleaned and shaped. The canals are then filled and sealed to help prevent bacteria from re-entering the treated space. Local anesthesia is used to help keep you comfortable during the procedure.
After root canal treatment, the tooth usually requires a permanent restoration to protect it and restore function. Depending on how much healthy tooth structure remains and where the tooth is located, your dentist may recommend a filling or dental crown. Follow-up care and regular dental examinations are important for monitoring the treated tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about root canal symptoms, treatment, recovery, and preserving an affected tooth.
What are the signs that I might need a root canal?
Possible signs include persistent tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, swelling, or changes involving the gums around a tooth. However, some teeth requiring treatment may cause few noticeable symptoms. A dental examination and appropriate imaging are needed to identify the cause and determine whether root canal therapy is necessary.
Does getting a root canal hurt?
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area during root canal treatment, helping patients remain comfortable while the tooth is treated. Some tenderness or sensitivity may occur after the procedure as the surrounding tissues recover. If you have severe pain, increasing swelling, or symptoms that worsen after treatment, contact your dental team.
How long does root canal treatment take?
The number and length of appointments depend on the tooth being treated, the complexity of its root canals, and the extent of infection or inflammation. Some teeth can be treated more quickly than others. Your dentist can provide a more specific treatment timeline after examining the tooth and reviewing the necessary dental imaging.
Do I need a dental crown after a root canal?
Not every root canal-treated tooth requires the same restoration. A crown may be recommended when the tooth has lost significant structure or requires additional protection, particularly for teeth that experience substantial chewing forces. Your dentist will evaluate the remaining tooth structure and recommend an appropriate permanent restoration after root canal therapy.
Can antibiotics treat an infected tooth instead of a root canal?
Antibiotics alone generally cannot remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. When the dental pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected, the source of the problem usually needs dental treatment. Depending on the condition of the tooth, this may involve root canal therapy or extraction. Your dentist can determine the appropriate treatment.
