Root canal therapy is a dental procedure designed to save severely infected or damaged teeth by removing infected tissue from inside the tooth and sealing it to prevent further problems. When the soft tissue inside your tooth becomes infected due to deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures, it can cause severe pain and lead to abscess formation if left untreated.
At Diamond Dental, we understand that many patients feel anxious about this procedure, but modern root canal therapy is typically comfortable and highly successful. Our goal is to eliminate your pain, save your natural tooth, and restore your oral health using advanced techniques and technology.
Whether you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to temperature, or swelling around a tooth, root canal therapy can often provide relief while preserving your natural tooth structure and avoiding the need for extraction and replacement procedures.
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or severely inflamed, usually due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or trauma such as a crack or chip. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help nourish the tooth during development.
Without treatment, infected pulp leads to severe pain, abscess formation, and eventual tooth loss. The infection can also spread to surrounding tissues and potentially affect your overall health. Many patients delay treatment hoping the pain will subside, but infected tooth pulp cannot heal on its own.
The good news is that root canal therapy has a high success rate and can save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Early intervention when symptoms first appear often leads to more comfortable treatment and better long-term outcomes for preserving your natural tooth.
Modern root canal therapy offers significant advantages over extraction and tooth replacement options. Preserving your natural tooth maintains proper chewing function, prevents adjacent teeth from shifting, and avoids the expense and complexity of implants or bridges. Root canal therapy is typically less expensive than extraction followed by tooth replacement.
Today’s root canal procedures are more comfortable and efficient than ever before, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort during and after treatment. Advanced anesthesia techniques ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure, and many patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is compared to their expectations.
The success rate for root canal therapy is very high, with properly treated teeth often lasting a lifetime with appropriate care. The procedure eliminates infection, relieves pain, and allows you to keep your natural tooth structure, which is always preferable to tooth replacement when possible.
Dr. Barry Diamond earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland and completed their Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, which provided comprehensive training in endodontic procedures and management of complex dental cases. This additional education enables effective treatment of infected teeth and proper case management.
Our practice utilizes the iTero Element 5D scanner for precise diagnosis and treatment planning, allowing us to visualize the internal structure of your tooth and plan the most effective approach. Dr. Diamond has been featured on PBS Forum 360 discussing how digital dentistry innovations improve patient outcomes and treatment comfort.
The philosophy at Diamond Dental emphasizes honest communication about your treatment options and what to expect during root canal therapy. We take time to explain the procedure, address your concerns, and ensure you understand how to care for your tooth after treatment to maximize the success of the procedure.
Your root canal treatment begins with a thorough examination and digital imaging to assess the extent of infection and plan the most effective approach. We’ll discuss your symptoms, explain why root canal therapy is recommended, and answer any questions you have about the procedure and recovery.
During the treatment, we ensure your comfort with appropriate anesthesia before accessing the infected pulp through a small opening in the tooth. We carefully remove the infected tissue, clean and shape the root canals, and seal the space to prevent further infection. Most root canals can be completed in one or two appointments.
After your root canal, we’ll place a temporary filling and discuss placement of a crown or other restoration to protect the treated tooth. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and monitor the success of your treatment.
Modern root canal therapy is typically very comfortable, with most patients experiencing little to no pain during the procedure due to effective local anesthesia. You may experience mild discomfort for a few days after treatment, which usually responds well to over-the-counter pain medications. Most patients find the relief from their pre-treatment pain makes any post-procedure discomfort very manageable.
Common signs include severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, darkening of the tooth, swelling in nearby gums, or recurring pimples on the gums. However, some infected teeth may have no symptoms, which is why regular dental checkups are important for early detection.
During root canal treatment, we access the infected pulp through a small opening, carefully remove the infected tissue, clean and disinfect the root canals, then seal the space with a biocompatible material. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, and most patients can return to normal activities the next day.
After root canal treatment, you may experience mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days as the surrounding tissues heal. This is normal and usually subsides quickly with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients find significant relief from their pre-treatment symptoms immediately after the procedure.
Root canal therapy allows you to keep your natural tooth, which maintains proper chewing function and prevents problems that can occur when teeth are missing. It’s typically less expensive than extraction followed by implant or bridge replacement, and preserves your natural smile and bite alignment while eliminating infection and pain.
