SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS NOW AVAILABLE - Contact Us Today!

Root canal treatment removes inflamed or infected tissue from inside a tooth, disinfects the root canal system, and seals the space so the natural tooth can be retained. At Advanced Endodontics, treatment is performed by specialists using modern imaging, magnification, and anesthesia techniques designed to make care comfortable and efficient.

​

Why Might I Need a Root Canal?

The center of each tooth contains soft tissue called the pulp. Deep decay, cracks, trauma, repeated dental procedures, or leakage around a restoration can cause the pulp to become irreversibly inflamed or infected. Treatment may be recommended even when a tooth is not painful because examination or imaging can reveal disease around the root.

​

Symptoms that may require evaluation include:

• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold

• Pain or tenderness when biting

• Spontaneous or persistent tooth pain

• Swelling, drainage, or a dental abscess

• A cracked, fractured, or injured tooth

• An abnormal finding around a tooth root on an X-ray

These symptoms do not automatically mean that a root canal is necessary. An endodontist combines your history, clinical testing, radiographs, and—in selected cases—3D CBCT imaging to determine the source of the problem.

​

What Happens During Treatment?

• Examination and diagnosis. We review your symptoms, test the tooth, and evaluate appropriate imaging.

• Anesthesia and isolation. After the tooth is completely numb, a protective dental dam isolates it from saliva.

• Cleaning and disinfection. A small opening is made through the tooth or existing crown. Inflamed or infected tissue is removed, and the canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.

• Filling and sealing. The canals are filled with biocompatible materials to help prevent reinfection.

• Restoration. A temporary or permanent filling is placed. When a temporary is used, your general dentist will place the final filling or crown as directed.

​

Will a Root Canal Hurt?

Modern root canal treatment is performed with local anesthesia. Most patients feel pressure, vibration, or movement rather than sharp pain. We confirm that the tooth is adequately numb before treatment and can provide additional anesthesia when needed. The Wand computerized anesthesia system and nitrous oxide are available when clinically appropriate. Nitrous oxide helps with relaxation; it is not oral or IV sedation, and you remain awake and responsive.

​

How Long Does It Take?

Most treatments are completed in one appointment, often in approximately an hour. Complex anatomy, calcification, active drainage, or other clinical factors can require more time or an additional visit. Your endodontist will explain what is expected for your tooth.

​

What Should I Expect Afterward?

Mild soreness or tenderness when biting is common for several days and should gradually improve. Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until the permanent restoration is placed. Follow the individualized medication and postoperative instructions given at your appointment, and contact us for increasing swelling, severe or worsening pain, a medication reaction, loss of the temporary filling, or symptoms that concern you.

​

Why See an Endodontist?

Endodontists complete additional specialty training focused on diagnosing tooth pain and treating disease inside teeth. Our practice uses surgical microscopes, digital imaging, and CBCT when indicated to identify anatomy that cannot be seen on ordinary two-dimensional radiographs. We coordinate with your general dentist so the tooth can be restored and protected after treatment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the root of the tooth removed?

No. Root canal treatment cleans and seals the narrow canal spaces inside the roots. The roots remain in the jaw and continue supporting the tooth.

​

Do I need a crown afterward?

Many back teeth require crowns because they absorb substantial chewing forces. Some front teeth can be restored differently. Your general dentist determines the definitive restoration based on the tooth’s location and remaining structure.

​

Can every tooth be saved?

No. A tooth may have a fracture, inadequate remaining structure, severe periodontal damage, or another problem that makes treatment unpredictable. We evaluate restorability and explain alternatives rather than recommending treatment automatically.

 

Schedule an Evaluation

If you have tooth pain, swelling, a cracked tooth, dental trauma, or questions about a previous root canal, our endodontists can evaluate the problem and explain your treatment options. Same-day emergency appointments are often available.

South County: (314) 894-5600   |   Festus: (636) 931-4020
 

Clinically reviewed by the endodontists of Advanced Endodontics. This information is educational and does not replace an individual examination or diagnosis.