Root Canal Treatment

How is root canal treatment performed?

Your root canal procedure at Successful Smiles involves the following steps:

1. Utilizing anesthesia/sedation with local anesthesia and/or laughing gas as dental sedation to ensure you’re comfortable.
2. Removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth to prevent the spread of infection and to alleviate pain.
3. Cleaning and disinfecting the hollowed-out area thoroughly to ensure all bacteria are removed.
4. Filling and sealing the space with a rubber-like material, a medicated filling substance to offer strength and to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
5. Restoring the tooth with a crown or filling for protection and to bring it back to full function.

It’s common to experience mild pain or sensitivity after your procedure due to agitation of the gums, but this pain should subside as your tooth heals. Call our office is you have any questions or pain that won’t subside!

How long does a root canal take?

For most patients, a root canal takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity and which tooth needs the root canal.

The number of roots and canals varies based on the type of tooth, impacting how long your procedure will take.  Typically, front teeth only have one root, leading to a shorter procedure time, while your back molars can have up to three roots, requiring more time for the procedure.

We will give you an estimate of how long your procedure will take when we schedule your appointment.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

If you’re suffering from an infected root canal, you’ll most likely recognize that something is wrong as you’ll usually experience severe pain and may notice symptoms such as:

• Severe and intense toothaches that won’t go away
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes
• Recurring abscesses on the gums

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms or have pain that won’t go away, contact us as soon as possible for an appointment.