Endodontic Care
Root Canal Therapy
Clear infection, end the pain, and save your natural tooth.
Root canal therapy is a conservative way to remove infection from inside a damaged tooth while keeping the tooth itself intact. By clearing out bacteria and sealing the tooth, the procedure restores comfort and avoids the need for an extraction.
Your First Choice for Cosmetic Dentistry
What Is a Root Canal?
At Gage Dental Care, a root canal is an endodontic procedure done when the pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth—becomes infected or inflamed from deep decay, a crack, or trauma. Left alone, that infection can spread, causing severe pain and even tooth loss.
During treatment, the infected pulp is carefully removed, the inner canals are disinfected, and the tooth is sealed against reinfection. Depending on severity, it’s often completed in one or two visits.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- Persistent toothache or throbbing pain
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Tooth discoloration
- Tenderness when chewing or touching the tooth
- Swelling in the gums or jaw
- Pus discharge or other signs of infection
- Unexplained facial or neck discomfort
Sometimes a tooth needs treatment without any obvious symptoms. Dental imaging helps catch hidden infections before they get worse.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
- Stops infection Clears bacteria out of the inner tooth.
- Relieves pain Removes the pressure caused by inflammation.
- Saves your natural tooth Avoids the need for extraction.
- Restores function Lets you chew and speak comfortably again.
Afterward, the tooth is usually restored with a crown to strengthen and protect it. With good hygiene and routine care, a treated tooth can last for many years.
Root canal therapy is performed with precision and your comfort in mind, helping you get back to a healthy, pain-free smile.
Root Canal Therapy FAQ
- Is a root canal painful?
- Modern root canals are done with local anesthesia and are typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
- How long does the procedure take?
- Most are completed in one or two visits, depending on how much infection is present.
- Will I need a crown afterward?
- Often, yes. A crown is usually recommended to protect and strengthen the treated tooth.
- Can a root canal fail?
- It’s uncommon, but reinfection can happen. Proper sealing and follow-up care greatly lower that risk.
- Is extraction better than a root canal?
- Keeping your natural tooth is usually preferred when possible, since it maintains your bite and jaw health.
- How long will the treated tooth last?
- With good care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last many years.
- What happens if I delay treatment?
- Untreated infection can worsen and spread, potentially leading to tooth loss or more complex procedures.
- Can children need root canals?
- Yes, though pediatric cases may use different techniques based on the stage of tooth development.