Root Canal Treatment

Ongoing tooth pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, discomfort when biting, swollen gums, tooth discoloration, or a recurring bump on the gums may signal an infection. Some infected teeth stay surprisingly quiet, though. We’ll examine your tooth, take digital X-rays to determine what’s happening, and explain your options in plain language.

If you need a root canal because of a tooth infection and don’t get treatment, the infection will continue to worsen and may eventually lead to tooth loss. It can also cause serious pain and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body. If the tooth can no longer be saved, an extraction may be necessary.

Replacing a missing tooth is usually more complicated and expensive than saving your natural tooth with a root canal. The sooner you visit us for treatment, the better your chances of protecting your tooth and avoiding additional dental work.

The treatment area is thoroughly numbed before the root canal procedure, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Root canal therapy is performed to relieve discomfort caused by infection or inflammation. Mild soreness may occur afterward, but it generally improves within several days.

Usually, yes. Because root canal therapy is considered medically necessary, many dental insurance plans provide coverage. Depending on your policy, insurance may cover a portion of the treatment cost up to your plan limits.

Since every plan is different, check with your insurance provider or review your policy documents to confirm your benefits. You can also give us a call, and our team will be happy to help you understand your coverage.

Most root canal appointments take about 60–90 minutes, depending on the tooth and the complexity of its canals. Some cases may require a second visit, followed by another appointment for a crown or permanent restoration. We’ll walk you through the timeline upfront, so you know what to expect without any unwelcome surprises.

Often, but not always. Molars and premolars usually need crowns because they handle considerable chewing pressure. A crown protects the treated tooth and reduces its risk of breaking. Front teeth may only need permanent fillings if enough healthy structure remains. We’ll recommend what gives your tooth the best long-term protection—without pushing treatment you don’t need.

There’s virtually no downtime after a root canal. You can get back to brushing, eating, smiling, and your normal routine right away. Your tooth may feel a little sore for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can usually help manage the discomfort.

If your tooth continues to hurt or the pain gets worse after a few days, reach out to us. We’ll be happy to take a look and make sure everything is healing properly.