A root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, relieving pain and saving the tooth from extraction. Despite its reputation, a modern root canal feels much like getting a filling, and it is often the fastest way to end a severe toothache.
Signs you may need a root canal
Lingering pain when biting or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold that does not go away, swelling or a pimple on the gum, a darkened tooth, or a deep crack. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all and the infection shows up on an x-ray.
The procedure
After numbing the tooth, Dr. Tobin makes a small opening, removes the damaged pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, and seals them. A temporary filling protects the tooth until a permanent crown is placed, usually within a few weeks. Most root canals are completed in one or two visits.
Mild soreness for a few days is normal. Avoid chewing on that side until the permanent crown is in place, and call us if pain increases or the temporary filling comes out.
Call (724) 537-9870 and our team will be glad to help, or request an appointment online.
Root Canals: common questions
Is a root canal painful?
The procedure itself is done under local anesthetic and is generally no more uncomfortable than a filling. The toothache that brought you in is usually gone by the time you leave.
Why not just pull the tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth preserves your bite and jawbone and is almost always less expensive over time than replacing a lost tooth with an implant or bridge.