Root canal therapy can relieve pain, treat infection, and help save your natural tooth.
In the past, a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve often had to be removed. Today, root canal therapy can often save that tooth and help preserve your natural smile.
Inside each tooth is the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes inflamed, injured, or infected, it can cause pain and may lead to an abscess if left untreated.
During root canal therapy, the dentist removes the damaged pulp, cleans and seals the canal, and may recommend a crown to restore strength and function.
Root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain, treat infection, and help preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.
Not every toothache requires root canal treatment, but certain symptoms may indicate infection or damage inside the tooth.
Early treatment can often prevent more serious infection and may improve the chances of saving the tooth.
Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth before treatment begins. The damaged or infected pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and shaped.
The canal is then sealed to help protect the tooth from reinfection. In many cases, a crown is recommended after treatment to strengthen the tooth and reduce the risk of fracture.
Your dentist will explain whether your tooth needs a crown, post and core, or another restoration based on the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining.
During the procedure, the tooth is numbed, so you should not feel pain. After treatment, some tenderness or soreness may occur while the surrounding tissues heal.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help with discomfort, unless your dentist or physician has told you not to take them.
If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed. Do not stop early unless your dentist or physician tells you to.
Antibiotics are not needed for every root canal, but they may be prescribed when infection, swelling, or other risk factors are present.
Root canal therapy has a high success rate, but it is not guaranteed in every case. In rare situations, infection may persist or return and require additional treatment.
Follow-up options may include retreatment, a minor surgical procedure, or extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. Outcomes can vary depending on tooth anatomy, the severity of infection, and overall health.
Many back teeth need a crown after root canal therapy because they handle heavy chewing forces and may be more prone to fracture. Your dentist will recommend the right restoration for your tooth.
In many cases, yes. Root canal therapy can remove infected or damaged pulp, preserve the natural tooth structure, and help avoid extraction.
Once the nerve and blood supply are removed, the tooth is no longer vital. Some soreness may occur because the surrounding tissues may still be inflamed after treatment.
Over time, the tooth may become more prone to fracture, especially if a large amount of tooth structure has been lost. For this reason, a build-up and crown are often recommended to strengthen and protect the tooth.
In some cases, a post and core may be required before placing the crown. After restoration, the treated tooth should function and feel much like a natural tooth.
The cost of root canal therapy depends on the tooth being treated, the severity of the infection, whether retreatment is needed, and whether a crown or other restoration is recommended afterward.
Greenberg Dental & Orthodontics works with many insurance plans and offers payment options to help make urgent and restorative dental care more manageable.
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A severe toothache, lingering sensitivity, swelling, or pain when biting may be a sign of infection inside the tooth.
Schedule a visit at one of our Florida locations to find out whether root canal therapy may help relieve pain and save your natural tooth.