Root Canal Treatment
Hearing that you need a root canal might make you feel a little nervous, but at Main Street Dental Center we want you to know this procedure is nothing to fear. In fact, root canal treatment is a safe, routine procedure that can relieve pain and save a tooth that would otherwise need to be pulled. Our gentle approach and modern techniques ensure you stay comfortable while we help heal your infected tooth.
A root canal is essentially a treatment for the inside of a tooth when it has become infected or severely decayed. Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If decay or trauma allows bacteria to reach the pulp, it can result in an infection that causes tooth pain and can form an abscess. During a root canal, our dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp tissue, cleans out and disinfects the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals it with a special material. By doing this, we eliminate the infection and pain while preserving your natural tooth structure.
Why save the tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the best option for your oral health if possible. If an infected tooth were simply extracted and left with a gap:
Other teeth may shift
Bone loss can occur
Appearance changes
By doing a root canal, we can often prevent these issues. After the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed, we almost always recommend placing a crown over that tooth. Because the tooth is no longer alive and may be more brittle, a crown gives it strength and protection so you can use it normally to chew.
What to expect during a root canal: We’ll numb your tooth and the surrounding area very well, just as we would for a filling, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. Many patients say it feels no different than getting a deep filling. We use small specialized instruments to access the inner chamber of your tooth. The infected pulp is removed, and we carefully clean out the canals (the tiny pathways in your tooth roots) to clear any bacteria. We then fill those canals with a rubbery, biocompatible material to seal them. Finally, a temporary filling or crown is placed on top of the tooth.
After a root canal, some soreness or sensitivity in the area is normal for a couple of days, but it’s usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The severe pain that you may have had before the root canal will be gone, because the infected nerve inside the tooth has been removed. At a follow-up visit, we’ll permanently restore the tooth (often with a crown) to ensure it stays protected.
Our team has extensive experience performing gentle root canal therapy. We understand the reputation of root canals, so we take extra care to make the experience as easy as possible for you. We’ll keep you informed at every step, and if you ever feel anxious, let us know — we have ways to help you relax.
In the end, a successful root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth for many years to come, which is our ultimate goal. If you have a bad toothache, swelling, or were told you need a root canal, rest assured that you’re in good hands. We will help relieve your pain and protect your tooth, getting you back to feeling great and smiling again.
Your Smile, Our Passion
Personalized, gentle dental care for the whole family — right here on Main Street.