Root Canal Therapy
Treatment to repair and save a severely damaged or infected tooth.
Save Your Natural Tooth
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it, then filling and sealing it.
At Navarro Dental Care, our endodontist, Dr. Sandra Ogando, specializes in root canal therapy and uses advanced techniques and technology to make the procedure as comfortable and effective as possible.
When Is a Root Canal Needed?
You may need a root canal if you experience:
- Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
- A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
- Relieves severe tooth pain
- Saves your natural tooth from extraction
- Prevents infection from spreading to other teeth
- Restores normal biting force and sensation
The Root Canal Process
Understanding what happens during a root canal can help ease any concerns you may have about the procedure.
Examination and X-rays
We'll take X-rays of your tooth to assess the damage and determine if a root canal is necessary. We'll also discuss your symptoms and medical history.
Anesthesia
We'll administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring you're comfortable throughout the procedure.
Pulp Removal
We'll create a small opening in the crown of your tooth and carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth).
Cleaning and Shaping
The root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to prepare them for filling. We use specialized instruments to ensure all infected tissue is removed.
Filling and Sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed with adhesive cement to prevent future infection.
Restoration
After the root canal, your tooth will need a crown or filling to protect it and restore its function. This is typically done in a separate appointment.
Root Canal: Myths vs. Facts
There are many misconceptions about root canal therapy. Let's separate fact from fiction.
MYTH: Root canals are extremely painful
Many people believe that root canals are one of the most painful dental procedures, but this is based on outdated information and experiences from many decades ago.
FACT: Modern root canals are virtually painless
With modern techniques, effective anesthesia, and advanced technology, most patients report that a root canal is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed.
MYTH: It's better to extract the tooth
Some people believe that extracting a problematic tooth is a better solution than getting a root canal, thinking it will eliminate the problem completely.
FACT: Saving your natural tooth is best
Preserving your natural tooth with a root canal is almost always the preferred option. It maintains your natural bite, prevents adjacent teeth from shifting, and is more cost-effective than extraction and replacement.
MYTH: Root canals cause illness
There is a persistent myth that root canals can lead to diseases in other parts of the body, but this is based on long-debunked research from nearly a century ago.
FACT: Root canals are safe and effective
Modern research has found no link between root canal treatment and disease elsewhere in the body. In fact, root canals eliminate infection and protect your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about root canal therapy.
Is a root canal painful?
Modern root canal procedures are much more comfortable than their reputation suggests. With local anesthesia and modern techniques, most patients report that having a root canal is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. You may experience some soreness after the procedure, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canal treatments can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the complexity of the case. Each appointment typically lasts 60-90 minutes.
What happens during a root canal procedure?
During a root canal, the infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth. The inside of the tooth is then carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Finally, a crown or filling is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function.
How successful are root canals?
Root canal treatments have a high success rate, with many treated teeth lasting a lifetime with proper care. The key to long-term success is getting a proper restoration (crown) placed on the tooth after the root canal is completed.
Related Services
Explore other endodontic and restorative services that may be relevant to your dental health.
Experiencing Tooth Pain?
Don't suffer in silence. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our endodontic specialist, Dr. Sandra Ogando, and find out if root canal therapy can help relieve your pain and save your tooth.