Restorative Dentistry

Root Canal Therapy

As decay progresses and is not addressed early enough, the bacteria that have infected the tooth make their way into the core/pulp of the tooth. Once this occurs, the only way to save the tooth is by performing a root canal treatment. Other than deep decay, trauma to your tooth may also cause pulp damage, even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, in can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

Root canal therapy is used to remove infected parts of the tooth’s soft inner section, known as the pulp. These infections can cause significant pain, and if left untreated, can lead to the tooth dying. A root canal can save the tooth, promote proper healing, and strengthen the tooth further.

Dr. Mahale works to detect when root canal therapy is needed before the infection spreads through the bloodstream to the rest of the body.

Common symptoms that mean you might need a root canal:

  • Severe pain while chewing or biting
  • Pimples on the gums
  • A chipped or cracked tooth
  • Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the stimulus has been removed
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Spontaneous throbbing pain or pain that wakes you up at night

Gone are the days when root canals were painful and needed many appointments! In fact, today, especially with all the advanced technology that we have at Strive Dental Studio, root canals are just as easy and comfortable as any other dental procedure. After it is completed, you might need some Advil or Motrin for 1-2 days to deal with mild discomfort and soreness in the area treated.

Root canal treatment helps you maintain your natural tooth, protects your smile, restores form and function, and allows you to continue eating the foods you love. With proper care, most teeth with root canal treatment can last a lifetime. Most importantly, it helps you escape pain or prevent inevitable pain and tooth loss.

The cost of treatment can vary depending on the tooth and the extent of damage to the tooth. Molars tend to cost more. If you have dental insurance, you likely have some coverage, but coverage will depend on your plan type. At Strive, we will help you figure out these details and do everything we can to minimize out-of-pocket costs. In addition, we have payment plans and financing options to make treatment affordable. Remember that although an investment is involved in saving your tooth if you need a root canal, it is generally less expensive than extracting the tooth and replacing it with options such as implants or bridges.

The good news is it has become easier than ever before to perform a root canal these days. If you need a root canal, we will sit down with you and walk you through the process, and answer any questions you might have. You will then be set up to come in for the procedure. If the tooth needs a crown, as back teeth usually do, we can complete all these steps in one appointment! Yes! We can complete root canal, build-up, and crown in most cases in a single appointment. This means no return appointments and no missed work for you!