If a dentist recommends a root canal, there’s no reason to panic. Modern root canal treatment is a common, carefully controlled procedure designed to relieve deep tooth pain, stop infection, and preserve the structure of a natural tooth whenever possible. For many patients, it’s the best alternative to extraction and helps maintain chewing function and appearance.
At the office of Dentistry on the Square, we combine up-to-date techniques with a patient-centered approach to make root canal therapy safe, predictable, and as comfortable as possible. We focus on clear explanations, gentle care, and restorations that return your tooth to long-term health.
Inside every tooth lies the dental pulp: a small collection of soft tissue that includes nerves and blood vessels. When that pulp becomes inflamed or infected—because of decay, a crack, or trauma—the result can be persistent pain and progressive damage. Root canal therapy removes the diseased tissue, cleans and shapes the internal spaces of the tooth, and seals them to prevent recurrence.
Removing the infected material preserves the outer tooth structure, which helps maintain the alignment of neighboring teeth and the function of your bite. Leaving a compromised tooth untreated can lead to larger infections or the need for extraction, which often requires more complex restorative work later.
Thanks to improvements in instrumentation, imaging, and materials, success rates for non-surgical root canal treatment are high. With appropriate restoration and good home care, treated teeth commonly remain functional for many years—often for the rest of a patient’s life.
Pain that lingers or intensifies—especially pain that wakes you at night or recurs with pressure—often signals that the internal tissues of a tooth are involved. While not every toothache requires endodontic treatment, pain that persists after a filling or follows an injury should prompt prompt evaluation.
Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold substances that lasts long after the stimulus is removed can indicate inflamed or dying pulp tissue. Similarly, discomfort when biting or chewing may reflect damage to the inner structures of the tooth or a developing infection that places pressure on surrounding tissues.
Other warning signs include a darkening or grayish discoloration of a tooth after trauma, localized swelling of the gum near the tooth, or the gradual loosening of a tooth due to bone or ligament involvement. Some affected teeth, however, show little to no symptoms and are discovered on routine radiographs during a comprehensive exam.
When the pulp becomes infected, bacteria can spread beyond the root and create localized bone loss at the root tip. Early treatment reduces the chance of more extensive infection and the need for emergency care. Even teeth that feel only mildly tender can harbor pathology detectable on X-rays; prompt assessment helps avoid surprises later.
Delaying care often allows the problem to progress, which can increase the complexity of treatment and reduce the overall prognosis for the tooth. In many cases, root canal therapy performed promptly halts the disease process and prevents the infection from affecting adjacent teeth or general health.
Regular dental exams and digital imaging play an important role in catching problems before symptoms become severe. When your dentist recommends endodontic care, the recommendation is based on clinical findings and the goal of conserving your natural dentition whenever feasible.
Root canal therapy begins with careful assessment and local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Once the tooth is numb, the clinician creates a small opening in the crown of the tooth and uses specialized files to remove inflamed or infected pulp tissue from the canals. The canals are then cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to reduce the bacterial load.
After cleaning, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible material that seals the internal space and prevents future contamination. Depending on the tooth’s complexity and the presence of infection, this work may be completed in a single visit or over two appointments. Throughout the process, modern radiography and instruments guide precision and safety.
Most root canal procedures are completed under local anesthesia, and additional comfort options are available for patients with dental anxiety. Your dentist or team will discuss the most appropriate approach during treatment planning, including whether to place a temporary restoration immediately and when to schedule the final restoration.
Because a tooth that has had root canal therapy is still subject to fracture, most treated teeth are strengthened with a permanent crown or another protective restoration. That follow-up restoration is planned as part of comprehensive care to restore full function and longevity.
After the procedure, it’s common to feel some soreness for a few days as surrounding tissues heal. Over-the-counter pain relievers are often sufficient to manage this discomfort; your dental team will advise on appropriate medications and any prescription needs. If antibiotics are prescribed to address an active infection, it’s important to complete the full course.
Protecting the treated tooth while a final restoration is planned is essential. Avoid hard or sticky foods on the treated side, and follow instructions for temporary crowns or fillings. Good oral hygiene—brushing gently around the area and continuing regular flossing—supports healing and helps prevent future problems.
Follow-up visits ensure the restoration is fitted correctly and that healing is progressing as expected. If you notice increasing pain, swelling, fever, or other unusual symptoms after treatment, contact the office promptly so the team can evaluate and address any concerns without delay.
With appropriate restoration and routine dental care, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can remain a dependable part of your mouth for many years. Long-term success depends on both the quality of the initial treatment and ongoing preventive care.
Our team is committed to helping you understand your options and to providing precise, compassionate care when root canal therapy is the best choice for preserving your oral health. If you’d like to learn more about the procedure, what to expect, or how we personalize treatment plans, please contact our office for additional information.
A root canal procedure is the best way to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury and preserve your natural smile. The alternative is an extraction and treatment to replace the tooth. While at times a tooth is non-restorable and an extraction is the only option, when possible, it’s best to try and save your natural tooth. With proper care, a tooth with root canal therapy can serve your smile well for many years to come.
Despite lingering myths from before the age of modern dental anesthesia and technology, having a root canal procedure today is as routine and comfortable as visiting the dentist for a filling. While the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with your tooth completely numbed, we can also discuss options in dental sedation.
Whether the symptoms of a dental infection subside after a course of antibiotics, a draining abscess provides you with some temporary pain relief, or a tooth with radiographic evidence of pathology has not yet developed symptoms, it’s essential, before an infection worsens or occurs, to have a root canal procedure performed. In this way, the tooth can be disinfected, filled, and sealed to protect your health and avoid further problems.
If you have sustained a dental injury, have a toothache, jaw pain, swelling, or are experiencing any other unusual and uncomfortable oral symptoms, contact our office immediately for care. Dental problems that have not been evaluated and treated can significantly worsen, producing more severe damage and consequences for the involved teeth, your oral health, and even your overall wellbeing. Once you get in touch with our office, our friendly and compassionate office team will get you in for care at your earliest convenience.
While some root canal procedures can be completed in one visit, others may involve 2 or 3 appointments. How long it takes depends on various factors, including active infection, the number of canals in the tooth, and the tooth’s location or anatomy.
With a success rate that exceeds 95%, root canal therapy remains the most effective procedure to save a tooth in which the inner vital tissues have been damaged. However, as with all healthcare procedures, there are a small percentage of cases where the teeth become symptomatic a second time. The good news is that many of these teeth can still be saved with root canal retreatment or a minor surgical procedure known as an apicoectomy.
The best ways to maintain a tooth with root canal therapy are to get the proper restoration required to rebuild and protect the tooth, maintain proper oral hygiene, and schedule appointments for routine dental checkups and care.
Saving a tooth with root canal therapy is a wise investment that, in the long run, is typically less costly and invasive than having the tooth extracted and replaced with a fixed bridge or implant. As far as the exact cost of care, it can vary depending on which tooth is being treated. Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for root canal therapy. At the office of Dentistry on the Square, we do our best to optimize your dental benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. Our staff will answer all your questions about the cost of care and discuss all your payment options.
At the office of Dentistry on the Square, we use the latest technology and most effective methods of care to provide precise and gentle care. Our reputation for excellence is based upon a consistent record of achieving successful treatment outcomes while providing prompt, stress-free, and convenient treatment for every type of dental need.
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes diseased or dead tissue from the central chamber and canals of a tooth to eliminate infection and preserve the tooth structure. The treatment targets the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, and aims to stop pain and prevent the spread of infection to surrounding bone and tissues. When successful, a root canal allows the natural tooth to remain functional and avoids the need for extraction.
Root canal therapy is recommended when the pulp is irreversibly inflamed or necrotic due to deep decay, a crack or fracture, or traumatic injury. Early diagnosis through clinical examination and radiographs helps determine whether the tooth can be saved with endodontic treatment. Timely care reduces the risk of more extensive damage and supports long-term oral health.
Common indicators that a tooth may require a root canal include persistent or severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting or chewing, and visible darkening of a tooth. Swelling of the gums, a recurring pimple on the gum near the tooth, or loosening of the tooth can also signal an underlying infection that affects the pulp. Symptoms vary by case, and some infected teeth produce little or no pain while showing radiographic signs of pathology.
Because symptoms can overlap with other dental conditions, a comprehensive evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis. Your dentist will combine a visual exam, sensitivity testing, and X-rays to assess the pulp and surrounding bone. Prompt evaluation helps determine the most appropriate treatment and prevents complications from untreated infection.
Root canal treatment typically begins with administering local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort, followed by isolating the tooth with a rubber dam. The dentist creates a small access opening in the tooth, removes the diseased pulp tissue, cleans and shapes the internal canals, and disinfects the space to remove bacteria and debris. After thorough cleaning, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent reinfection.
In many cases the procedure can be completed in a single visit, but complex anatomy, multiple canals, or active infection may require two appointments and a temporary restoration between visits. Modern instruments and techniques, including magnification and digital imaging, enhance precision and treatment success. Additional sedation options are available for patients with dental anxiety to make the experience calmer and more comfortable.
With today’s anesthesia and pain management protocols, most patients report little to no pain during the procedure itself. The goal is to eliminate the source of pain—the infected or inflamed pulp—so many patients experience significant relief after treatment. Mild to moderate discomfort or soreness in the treated area can occur for a few days as surrounding tissues heal, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter medications and recommended home care.
If persistent or severe pain develops after the procedure, it can indicate an unresolved issue such as lingering inflammation, a missed canal, or a fracture, and should be evaluated promptly. Your dental team will provide post-procedure instructions and contact information for any concerns, and follow-up visits help confirm healing and the need for a final restoration.
The primary alternative to root canal therapy is tooth extraction, which removes the infected tooth entirely. Extraction eliminates the immediate source of infection, but it also creates a space that may require a prosthetic replacement, such as an implant, bridge, or removable partial denture, to restore function and prevent shifting of adjacent teeth.
Choosing between root canal treatment and extraction depends on factors like the tooth’s restorability, the amount of remaining tooth structure, periodontal health, and overall treatment goals. Your dentist will review the clinical findings and discuss long-term implications to help you make an informed decision that balances oral health and function.
When properly performed and followed by an appropriate permanent restoration, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can last many years and often for the remainder of the patient’s life. Success depends on thorough cleaning and sealing of the canals, quality of the final restoration such as a crown, and the patient’s oral hygiene and regular dental care. Periodic clinical and radiographic evaluations help monitor healing and detect any signs of re-infection early.
Factors that can affect longevity include the complexity of the root anatomy, the presence of preexisting infection, and how much natural tooth structure remains to support a restoration. Timely placement of a definitive restoration and avoiding excessive forces on the treated tooth will reduce the risk of fracture and improve long-term outcomes.
Before your appointment, review any recent medical history and medication changes with the dental team, and let them know about allergies or conditions such as heart murmurs that may affect care. If you experience dental anxiety, inform the office in advance so they can discuss sedation options or other comfort measures that are available. Arrive with questions prepared about the procedure, expected recovery, and the timeline for the final restoration.
On the day of treatment, avoid heavy meals immediately beforehand if sedation will be used, and arrange transportation if necessary. Follow any specific pre-appointment instructions provided by the office, and plan for a short recovery period after the procedure to rest and follow post-operative care recommendations.
After a root canal, expect some numbness for an hour or two while the anesthesia wears off, and mild soreness for a few days as tissues heal. Protect the treated tooth by avoiding hard or sticky foods until a permanent restoration is placed, and follow instructions for prescribed or recommended pain control and any antibiotics if indicated. Maintain routine oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing, taking care around the treated area to support healing.
It is important to schedule the follow-up appointment for placement of the permanent crown or restoration, as this protects the tooth from fracture and ensures long-term function. If you notice increasing pain, swelling, drainage, or other concerning symptoms after treatment, contact the office promptly for assessment and care.
Some cases benefit from referral to an endodontist, a specialist in root canal therapy, particularly when a tooth has complex root anatomy, previous unsuccessful treatment, or persistent infection despite initial therapy. Endodontists have advanced training and specialized instruments that can manage challenging situations such as curved or calcified canals, retreatments, and surgical options if needed. Your general dentist will evaluate the complexity of the case and discuss whether specialist care is recommended.
Referral decisions also consider patient comfort, overall prognosis, and access to advanced imaging and techniques. Whether treatment is provided in the general practice or by a specialist, the primary goal remains saving the tooth and resolving infection with predictable, high-quality care.
At the office of Dentistry on the Square, our team focuses on accurate diagnosis, patient comfort, and clear communication throughout the root canal process. We use modern diagnostic tools and techniques to assess pulp health and treatment needs, offer local anesthesia and sedation options to minimize discomfort, and coordinate timely restoration to protect treated teeth. Patient education is a priority so individuals understand each step and what to expect during recovery.
When a case requires specialized endodontic intervention, we collaborate with trusted specialists to ensure patients receive the most appropriate care. We encourage patients to contact our office at (352) 289-0025 for questions or to schedule an evaluation when they experience symptoms that may indicate the need for root canal therapy.
Your smile deserves care that feels as good as it looks and we’re here to make that happen.
At Dentistry on the Square, reaching out to us is as easy and comfortable as walking through our doors. Whether you're looking to schedule an appointment, curious about a treatment, or just want to chat about your dental goals, our caring team is always happy to help. Give us a call, send us a message or use our quick online form, whatever’s easiest for you. We’re here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and welcome you with the kind of personalized attention you won’t find just anywhere. Let’s make your next visit something to smile about. We can’t wait to hear from you!
