If your dentist has recommended root canal treatment, there’s no reason to be alarmed. Modern root canal therapy is a refined, predictable procedure designed to stop pain, remove infection, and preserve the natural tooth so you can keep your smile and chewing function. Many patients find the experience far less intimidating once they understand the purpose and the steps involved.
At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we strive to deliver calm, careful care using up-to-date instruments and techniques. Our approach balances clinical precision with patient comfort so you can make informed choices about your oral health with confidence.
Root canal therapy focuses on removing diseased tissue from inside a tooth and sealing the canals to prevent reinfection. When a tooth’s inner pulp has been irreparably harmed by decay or trauma, treatment preserves what remains of the natural tooth structure rather than resorting to extraction. Keeping your natural tooth, when possible, helps maintain proper bite alignment and reduces the likelihood of future problems with neighboring teeth.
Today’s techniques and materials make root canal treatment predictable and comfortable for most patients. The goal isn’t just to relieve immediate pain — it’s to restore a stable, functional tooth that can last for many years with routine care. When a tooth is properly cleaned, filled, and ultimately restored with an appropriate crown or onlay, it can perform much like any other healthy tooth.
Choosing to save a tooth often preserves more natural anatomy and prevents the cascade of treatments that can follow an extraction, such as shifting teeth or the need for prosthetic replacements. Our focus is always on formulating a treatment plan that supports both immediate comfort and long-term dental wellness.
Inside each tooth is a small chamber of soft tissue called the dental pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This pulp helps the tooth develop and serves as the sensory system for changes in temperature and pressure. When decay penetrates deeply or an injury damages the tooth, bacteria can reach the pulp and create inflammation or infection.
Symptoms can vary. Some people experience sharp, lingering pain that intensifies with hot or cold foods, while others notice discomfort when biting or a gradual darkening of a tooth after trauma. In other instances, a tooth with a chronic infection may produce little immediate pain but show signs on x-rays or through localized swelling of the surrounding gum tissue.
Early recognition matters because a tooth with compromised pulp does not recover on its own. Appropriate treatment removes the source of infection and reduces the chance of more serious complications, such as spreading infection or loss of supporting bone around the root.
Although not every toothache leads to root canal therapy, the following signs commonly point to pulpal involvement and should prompt a professional evaluation:
Pain that lingers, intensifies at night, or awakens you from sleep often indicates deep decay or pulp inflammation. Prompt assessment helps determine whether conservative root canal therapy can resolve the issue.
Brief sensitivity is normal for many conditions, but prolonged discomfort in response to temperature changes can suggest an inflamed or dying pulp.
If chewing or light pressure produces pain, the tooth’s internal tissues or surrounding structures may be involved and should be evaluated.
Discoloration can be a sign that the internal tissues have been injured or are no longer vital. This change often follows trauma or long-standing decay.
A broken or cracked tooth can expose the pulp to bacteria and lead to infection. In many cases, root canal therapy is necessary to stabilize and save the tooth.
Swelling or a draining sinus tract near a tooth usually signals an infection that has extended beyond the root and requires timely attention.
Infection can damage supporting bone and cause mobility. Treating the infection often promotes healing of the surrounding tissues.
Not every damaged or infected tooth shows obvious symptoms right away. Sometimes a problem is discovered during a routine exam or on a dental x-ray before pain begins. Addressing concerns at that stage typically makes treatment simpler and can limit the extent of restorative work needed afterward.
Delays in care allow infection to progress and can complicate treatment. An untreated dental infection may enlarge, affect the bone around the root, or cause more widespread discomfort. Early intervention tends to preserve more of the natural tooth and supports a smoother recovery.
Our team emphasizes timely evaluation and clear communication, so you understand the condition, the recommended steps, and how treatment will protect your oral health moving forward. We’ll help you weigh options and choose the path that aligns with your goals and clinical needs.
A typical non-surgical root canal begins with numbing the area so you remain comfortable throughout the visit. We use modern anesthesia techniques and instruments that allow precise cleaning of the internal canals while minimizing discomfort. The infected or damaged pulp is removed, the canals are shaped and disinfected, and a biocompatible filling material is placed to seal the space.
Some teeth can be treated in a single appointment, while others require two or more visits depending on the tooth’s anatomy, the presence of infection, and the number of canals. Complex anatomy or active infection may require additional time to ensure thorough disinfection and an optimal outcome.
For patients who experience anxiety, we discuss available sedation options to make the process more relaxed. Regardless of the route chosen, our priority is precise, gentle care that addresses the source of the problem and preserves the tooth’s function.
After treatment, most patients notice a marked reduction in the toothache that brought them in. It’s common to experience some mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days as the surrounding tissues settle. Over-the-counter pain relievers typically manage this discomfort, and we’ll offer guidance tailored to your situation.
Antibiotics may be prescribed if an active infection is present; when given, completing the course as directed is important for optimal healing. You should also be careful with the treated tooth until a permanent restoration is placed — a temporary filling or build-up protects the tooth but may not have the same strength as the final crown.
Placing a permanent restoration like a crown or onlay is a critical step after root canal therapy. It restores the tooth’s strength and contours and reduces the chance of fracture. With appropriate restoration and good home care, a treated tooth can provide reliable service for many years.
To support recovery, continue gentle brushing and flossing, avoid very hard or sticky foods on the treated side until fully restored, and keep follow-up appointments so we can confirm healing and completion of your restoration.
In summary, root canal therapy is a well-established treatment that relieves pain, eliminates infection, and preserves natural teeth whenever possible. Our team at Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC is committed to providing careful, modern care that prioritizes your comfort and long-term oral health. Contact us to learn more about how we evaluate and treat teeth that may need root canal therapy.
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 Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, 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 Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, 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.
Root canal therapy is a treatment that removes diseased or infected tissue from the interior of a tooth and seals the space to prevent reinfection. The procedure targets the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels that can become inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. The primary goal is to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and preserve the natural tooth whenever possible.
Choosing root canal therapy often avoids extraction and the need for more extensive restorative work later on. Keeping a treated tooth helps maintain proper bite alignment and protects adjacent teeth from shifting. Early evaluation and treatment generally lead to simpler procedures and better long-term outcomes.
The procedure begins with careful anesthesia and isolation of the tooth to provide a clean, dry working area. The dentist creates a small access opening, then uses specialized instruments and irrigation to clean and shape the internal canals, removing inflamed or infected pulp tissue and bacteria. Thorough disinfection reduces the risk of persistent infection and prepares the canals to be sealed.
After cleaning, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material that seals the space to prevent future contamination. A temporary restoration protects the tooth until a permanent crown or onlay is placed to restore strength and function. When performed with modern techniques, this approach is predictable and conserves natural tooth structure.
Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure thanks to modern local anesthetics and precise techniques. The goal of treatment is to remove the source of pain—the infected or damaged pulp—so many people feel significant relief immediately after therapy. For patients with anxiety, sedation options are available to improve comfort and reduce stress during treatment.
It is common to have mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days as surrounding tissues heal, and over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage this discomfort. If pain or swelling worsens after treatment, the dental team should be contacted promptly to evaluate healing. Following post-operative instructions and attending follow-up visits helps ensure a smooth recovery.
Common signs of pulpal involvement include persistent or severe tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, and discomfort when biting or applying pressure. A tooth that becomes darker or discolored after trauma, localized gum swelling or drainage, and a pimple-like bump on the gum can also signal an underlying infection. Not every problematic tooth causes obvious pain, so routine exams and x-rays often reveal issues before symptoms escalate.
Early recognition improves the likelihood of saving the natural tooth and may limit the extent of restorative work required later. Any of these symptoms should prompt a prompt evaluation to determine whether root canal therapy or another form of treatment is appropriate. Timely care reduces the risk of complications such as spread of infection or bone loss around the root.
Before your visit, provide a complete medical and dental history so the dental team can tailor care to your needs and any underlying conditions. If you experience anxiety about dental procedures, mention it ahead of time so we can discuss sedation options that may help you feel more comfortable. In most cases you may eat and take routine medications unless advised otherwise by the team.
Arrive with any recent dental x-rays if available and bring a list of questions or concerns you would like addressed during the consultation. If you plan to use relaxation medications or nitrous oxide, consider arranging transportation afterward per the practice recommendations. Clear communication with the dental team helps the appointment run smoothly and reduces uncertainty.
At Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC the appointment begins with focused assessment and targeted anesthesia to ensure your comfort. The dentist creates an access opening, cleans and shapes the canals with specialized instruments, and uses antimicrobial irrigation to reduce bacteria. Once the canals are properly prepared, they are sealed with a biocompatible filling material to protect against reinfection.
Some teeth can be treated in a single visit while others require multiple appointments depending on anatomy and the presence of active infection. After the root canal, a temporary restoration is placed until a permanent crown or onlay can be fabricated. The team will explain post-operative care and schedule follow-up visits to complete the restoration and confirm healing.
Recovery time is usually brief, with most patients returning to normal activities the same day or within 24 hours. Mild soreness or sensitivity around the treated tooth for a few days is common as the tissues settle and inflammation subsides. Over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, and avoiding hard foods on the treated side typically control discomfort.
If antibiotics are prescribed for an active infection, it is important to complete the full course as directed to support healing. Contact the dental office if pain increases, swelling persists, or other concerning symptoms develop. Regular follow-up appointments ensure the tooth is healing properly and allow completion of the final restoration.
After root canal therapy, a permanent restoration such as a crown or onlay is often recommended to restore strength, function, and appearance. Posterior teeth that endure heavy chewing forces typically benefit from a full-coverage crown, while some anterior teeth can be restored with a more conservative onlay or composite build-up depending on remaining structure. The chosen restoration protects the tooth from fracture and seals it against bacterial re-entry.
Your dentist will evaluate the tooth’s condition and discuss material options and timing for the permanent restoration. A temporary filling may be placed immediately after treatment to protect the tooth until the final restoration is ready. Proper restoration combined with good oral hygiene and regular dental care helps extend the life of the treated tooth.
Root canal therapy has a high success rate when performed with modern techniques and followed by an appropriate restoration. Many treated teeth remain functional for many years and can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Factors that influence longevity include the extent of pre-existing damage, the quality of the restoration, and ongoing oral health maintenance.
Periodic clinical exams and x-rays help monitor healing and detect potential issues early. Prompt attention to new symptoms, fractures, or restoration problems improves the chances of preserving the tooth. Your dental team will advise on best practices to protect the treated tooth and support long-term function.
Alternatives to root canal therapy include careful monitoring of the tooth when appropriate or extraction followed by replacement options such as an implant or bridge. Extraction is considered when a tooth is non-restorable due to severe structural damage, extensive root fractures, or when previous treatment cannot resolve persistent infection. The decision balances the desire to preserve natural teeth with overall oral health, function, and the long-term prognosis of the tooth.
Our team will perform a thorough examination and review imaging to explain the risks and benefits of each option and recommend the treatment that best aligns with your clinical needs and goals. When extraction is chosen, we discuss predictable restorative pathways to replace the missing tooth and protect adjacent structures. Contact Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC to schedule an evaluation and discuss which approach is right for you.
