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Root Canals
Just hearing the words “root canal” can make many people nervous. But the truth is that root canal treatment is a highly effective, routine procedure that relieves pain and saves your natural tooth. At O’Shea Family Dental, we make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that’s badly decayed, infected, or injured. When the pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause serious discomfort. It could eventually lead to tooth loss if not treated.
During a root canal, we:
- Remove the infected or damaged pulp
- Clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth
- Fill and seal the space
- Place a crown for protection and strength (in most cases)
The goal is to eliminate pain, prevent reinfection, and keep your natural tooth in place.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Every case is different, but common symptoms include:
- Persistent tooth pain or throbbing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the tooth
- A darkened or discolored tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums (may indicate an abscess)
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. The sooner we treat it, the more we can do to save your tooth and avoid complications.
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What to Expect
Root canal therapy is much more straightforward (and more comfortable) than its reputation suggests. Here’s what the process looks like:
- We numb the area so you stay comfortable during the procedure
- The damaged pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned
- We fill and seal the tooth to prevent future infection
- A custom crown is placed (usually at a follow-up visit) to restore strength and function
Most patients report that the procedure feels no more intense than getting a standard filling. And best of all, it gets rid of the pain that brought you in.
Why Save the Tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth whenever possible is always our priority. Compared to extraction, a root canal:
- Preserves your natural bite and chewing function
- Helps maintain bone structure in your jaw
- Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting
- Avoids the need for more complex replacements down the road
Modern techniques make the procedure comfortable and effective. Most people feel relief almost immediately. A root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime with a proper crown and good care.
Eliminate Tooth Pain with a Professional Root Canal
Toothaches don’t get better on their own. If you’re in pain, we’re here to help. At O’Shea Family Dental, we’ll walk you through every step and make sure your care is comfortable, compassionate, and personalized.
Ready to find relief? Contact us today to schedule your consultation.