What a Root Canal Is
A root canal removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, allowing the tooth to stay in your mouth instead of being extracted.
When You Need One
A root canal is typically needed when deep decay, a crack, or an injury has allowed infection to reach the soft tissue inside a tooth — often signaled by lingering pain, sensitivity to temperature, or swelling near the tooth.
Our Conservative Approach
We recommend a root canal specifically because it's the more conservative option compared to extraction — it lets you keep your natural tooth root rather than replacing it. We only recommend this treatment when it offers a real chance of saving the tooth long-term.
What to Expect
After numbing the tooth, we clean out the infected pulp, shape and disinfect the space, and seal it. Most root canals take one to two visits, and a crown is often placed afterward to protect the tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful?
With modern numbing techniques, most patients report the procedure feels similar to getting a filling. Some soreness for a few days afterward is normal.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes — especially on back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces. A crown protects the tooth from fracturing after treatment.
What happens if I don't get a root canal?
Left untreated, the infection can spread, potentially leading to an abscess and eventual loss of the tooth.
Ready to Schedule?
Book a visit or give us a call — we're happy to talk through whether this is the right fit for you.