Root canal treatment is a procedure to save a tooth that is infected or severely damaged. It involves removing the infected or damaged part of the tooth, cleaning it, and then sealing it to prevent further infection.

You may need a root canal if you have a toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around the tooth, or a darkening tooth. These could indicate that the nerve or pulp inside your tooth is infected or damaged.

We use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterwards, you may have some discomfort, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

The procedure typically takes one to two visits to complete. It depends on the complexity of the tooth and the severity of the infection.

After the root canal, your dentist will seal the cavity with a filling, after which a crown is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore its function. You should continue to brush and floss regularly to keep the tooth and surrounding gums healthy.

Once the root canal treatment is complete and any discomfort subsides, your tooth should feel much better than it did before. It may take a few days for the tenderness to completely go away.