Root Canal Treatment

Modern root canal therapy is a virtually painless procedure that saves your natural tooth, relieves pain, and eliminates infection. Our advanced techniques ensure your comfort while preserving your smile.

  • Preserve your natural tooth
  • Eliminate tooth pain and infection
  • Comfortable, advanced techniques

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Understanding Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) is a dental procedure designed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth, carefully cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and then filling and sealing the space. Despite its reputation, modern root canal treatment is similar to a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and personal circumstances.

When Root Canal Treatment Is Necessary

You may need a root canal if you experience any of these symptoms:

  • Severe Tooth Pain - Especially when chewing or applying pressure
  • Prolonged Sensitivity - Lingering pain to hot or cold temperatures
  • Tooth Discoloration - Darkening of the tooth
  • Gum Swelling - Tenderness or swelling near the affected tooth
  • Dental Abscess - A pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth
  • Deep Decay - Cavity that has reached the pulp of the tooth

Our Advanced Root Canal Approach

We utilize the latest technologies and techniques to make your root canal treatment as comfortable and effective as possible:

  • Digital Imaging - Precise diagnostics with minimal radiation exposure
  • Electric Handpieces - Quieter and more efficient than traditional tools
  • Rotary Endodontics - More comfortable and faster treatment
  • Advanced Anesthetics - Ensuring complete comfort throughout the procedure
  • Dental Microscope - Enhanced visualization for precision treatment
  • Bioceramic Sealers - State-of-the-art materials for better long-term outcomes

After Your Root Canal

Recovery from root canal treatment is typically quick and straightforward:

  • Immediate Relief - Most patients experience significant pain reduction right after treatment
  • Minimal Downtime - Return to normal activities within 24 hours
  • Simple Aftercare - Typically just over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
  • Final Restoration - We'll place a crown or permanent filling to protect your tooth long-term

With proper care, a tooth that has had root canal treatment can last a lifetime and function just like any other tooth in your mouth.

The Root Canal Treatment Process

Understanding each step of modern root canal therapy

1

Diagnosis and Preparation

We begin with digital X-rays and an examination to confirm you need root canal treatment. After diagnosing the issue, we'll thoroughly numb the area with local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure. A dental dam is placed to keep the treatment area clean and isolated.

2

Access Creation

A small opening is created in the crown of your tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. This is done with precision to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while providing the necessary access for treatment.

3

Removal of Infected Pulp

Using specialized instruments, we carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. The canals are then cleaned and shaped using fine dental files to prepare them for filling.

4

Disinfection

The inside of your tooth is thoroughly irrigated with antimicrobial solutions to eliminate any remaining bacteria and debris. This crucial step ensures the infection is completely cleared before sealing the tooth.

5

Filling the Canals

The cleaned and shaped root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which is sealed in place with adhesive cement. This seals the canals completely to prevent any future infection from entering the tooth.

6

Restoration

To complete the procedure, we place a temporary or permanent filling to close the access opening. In most cases, we'll recommend placing a crown on the tooth to protect it and restore its full function and appearance. This final step provides long-term protection for your treated tooth.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Modern root canal therapy offers numerous advantages over tooth extraction

Save Your Natural Tooth

Root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth, maintaining your normal bite function and appearance while preventing the need for more extensive treatments.

Pain Relief

Root canal therapy eliminates the infection and inflammation that cause severe tooth pain, providing immediate relief and resolving discomfort caused by damaged pulp.

Efficient Procedure

Modern root canal procedures can often be completed in just one or two appointments, getting you back to your normal routine quickly with minimal disruption.

Virtually Painless

Contrary to outdated myths, modern root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling thanks to advanced techniques and effective anesthesia.

Prevent Infection Spread

By removing infected pulp, root canal treatment prevents the infection from spreading to other teeth or even other parts of your body through your bloodstream.

Cost-Effective

Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is typically less expensive in the long run than extracting the tooth and replacing it with a bridge or implant.

Schedule Your Consultation

We welcome new patients to our Peachtree City prosthodontic practice. Feel free to request an appointment or ask us any questions about our specialized services.

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8 AM–4 PM

Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Contact Information

Phone: (770) 631-0044

Fax: (770) 631-0045

Email: [email protected]

Our Location

Address:
5000 Shakerag Hill
Peachtree City, GA 30269

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Dental Emergencies

For dental emergencies, please call our office immediately:

(770) 631-0044

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Root Canal Treatment FAQs

Common questions about root canal procedures and aftercare

Modern root canal treatment is virtually painless thanks to advanced techniques and effective anesthesia. Most patients report that the procedure is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. In fact, root canal therapy relieves pain by removing the infected pulp that's causing discomfort. After treatment, you may experience mild soreness for a few days, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
A typical root canal treatment can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the complexity of the case and the condition of your tooth. Simple cases may take 60-90 minutes, while more complex cases might require multiple visits. We prioritize thoroughness over speed to ensure the best possible outcome for your tooth.
The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on factors such as which tooth is being treated (molars with multiple canals typically cost more than front teeth), the complexity of the case, and whether you need a crown afterward. Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for root canal therapy. We can provide a detailed cost estimate after examining your tooth and can discuss payment options to make the treatment affordable.
Common signs that may indicate you need root canal treatment include: severe toothache, particularly when chewing or applying pressure; prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures; darkening or discoloration of the tooth; swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums; persistent or recurring pimple on the gums; and deep decay or a cracked tooth that has reached the pulp. However, sometimes there are no obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental check-ups are important.
If you need a root canal but don't get treatment, the infection will continue to spread. This can lead to a dental abscess, severe pain, bone loss around the root, and eventually tooth loss. The infection can also potentially spread to other parts of your body. While extraction is an alternative, saving your natural tooth with root canal therapy is usually the preferred option for your long-term oral health.
In most cases, we recommend placing a crown on a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment, especially for back teeth (premolars and molars). A crown provides crucial protection for the treated tooth, which may become brittle over time. Front teeth may not always require crowns if they have sufficient remaining tooth structure. We'll discuss the best options for your specific situation after completing the root canal procedure.
With proper care, a tooth that has had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. The success rate of root canal therapy is very high—over 95% when properly performed and restored. To ensure the longevity of your treated tooth, maintain good oral hygiene practices, visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, and protect your tooth with a crown if recommended.
Yes, most patients can drive themselves home after root canal treatment. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia only, which numbs the tooth and surrounding area but doesn't affect your ability to drive. If you've opted for additional sedation, you should arrange for someone to drive you home. Our team will advise you based on your specific treatment plan.