Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) is a gentle procedure designed to save your natural tooth when the pulp — the living tissue inside the tooth — becomes infected or inflamed. When you have severe tooth pain, it’s often a sign that the nerve is infected. A root canal removes the infected tissue, eliminates the pain, and allows you to keep your natural tooth.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

You may need a root canal if you experience:

• Severe pain when chewing or biting
• Pain or sensitivity to hot and cold foods (especially cold)
• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
• A small pimple-like bump on your gums near the affected tooth

Sometimes teeth that need root canal treatment have no symptoms at all. That’s why regular dental exams and X-rays are so important — we can spot the problem before it becomes painful.

What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is performed in one or two visits, depending on the complexity of your case. Here’s what happens:

• Anesthesia & Comfort: We numb the tooth thoroughly so you feel no pain — just pressure and vibration. Many patients say it’s no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
• Cleaning the Pulp: We carefully remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth using specialized instruments.
• Shaping & Filling: The inside of the tooth is shaped and filled with a biocompatible material to seal it completely.
• Restoration: A crown or filling is placed to protect the treated tooth and restore full function.

Why Choose Root Canal Treatment?

• Saves your natural tooth — better than extraction
• Eliminates severe pain caused by infection
• Prevents the infection from spreading to surrounding teeth and bone
• Restores normal chewing function
• More affordable long-term than tooth replacement options

Frequently Asked Questions

Modern root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. You’ll be completely numb during the procedure, and we take every step to keep you comfortable. The root canal actually relieves the pain you were experiencing from the infection.

Most root canals take 60–90 minutes per visit. Simple cases may be completed in one appointment, while more complex cases may require a second visit.

If you delay treatment, the infection can spread deeper into the root system, the jawbone, and even to other parts of your body. This can lead to bone loss, tooth loss, and serious health complications. Early treatment saves your tooth and prevents costly problems.

Root canal costs vary depending on which tooth is affected and the complexity of your case. At Oakwood Family Dental, we accept most insurance plans and offer flexible CareCredit financing. Call (470) 577-9777 for a personalized estimate.