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Root Canals (Endodontic Therapy)

A root canal is a dental restoration that extends into the nerve chamber of your tooth. This dental treatment may be necessary when too much tooth structure has been damaged and the inner portion of the tooth has become infected. Essentially, it’s like a filling that is on the most inner portion of the tooth.

Root canals are not painful. They feel just like any other dental procedure that you would have done. Dr. Dirig thoroughly anesthetizes the area around the tooth to keep you as comfortable as possible. Since the root canal procedure sometimes lasts longer than other dental treatments, some people’s mouths do become slightly sore. However, we can assist with this by using a small bite block or having you take an over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

We typically recommend endodontic therapy when no other restoration can preserve the tooth.

Examples of teeth needing root canal therapy include:

  • Abscessed teeth
  • Severely fractured teeth
  • Teeth with deep cavities
  • Severe sensitivity