Dental Crowns
A custom cap that covers a weak or broken tooth so you can bite and chew normally.
About dental crownsRestorative care
Root canal treatment in Herriman
A tooth that throbs, aches when you chew or stays sore after something hot may have an infected nerve. Root canal treatment can clear the infection and save the tooth.
What is a root canal?
Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, with nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can let germs reach it and cause infection. A root canal removes that tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth and seals it so you can keep the tooth.
- The area is numbed, so it often feels much like a filling
- Usually done in one or two visits
- Most back teeth need a crown afterward
Signs you may need a root canal
Some infected teeth cause clear symptoms. Others cause very few and show up only on an x-ray. Watch for:
- An ache that gets worse when you bite or chew
- Pain from hot or cold that lingers after the food is gone
- A tooth that has turned darker
- Swollen or tender gums around one tooth
- A small bump like a pimple on the gum
- A dull ache that spreads into your jaw
Your dentist uses an exam, x-rays and simple tests to see if the pulp can heal or needs treatment. If the tooth cannot be saved, removing it may be the better choice. Your dentist will walk you through both paths. Children with a deep cavity in a baby tooth may need a smaller treatment called a pulpotomy instead.
What to expect
- Numbing. Your dentist numbs the tooth and the area around it. Many people are surprised by how calm the visit feels.
- Cleaning the inside. Your dentist makes a small opening in the top of the tooth and removes the infected pulp from the chamber and root canals.
- Medicine and a seal. The canals are cleaned and may be treated with medicine. If a second visit is needed, a temporary filling closes the tooth in between.
- Final seal. The canals are filled with a rubber-like material and sealed.
- Rebuilding the tooth. A filling or crown restores the tooth's strength so it can handle chewing again.
If the infection has spread past the root, your dentist may also suggest medicine to help it clear.
After your root canal
It is normal for the tooth to feel sore or tender for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief often helps. Chew on the other side until your final crown or filling is in place, since the tooth can crack before then. Do not put off that last step. Call us if you have swelling that grows, pain that gets worse instead of better or a reaction to medicine.
Cost and insurance
Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.
FAQ
Questions about root canal treatment
Does a root canal hurt?
The goal of a root canal is to relieve pain, not cause it. With the tooth numbed, most people feel pressure but little pain. Some soreness for a few days after is common.
How long does a root canal take?
Many root canals take one to two hours of chair time. Some are done in one visit, and others need two. Teeth with more roots often take longer.
What can I eat after a root canal?
Wait until the numbness wears off. Then choose soft foods and chew on the other side. Skip hard, crunchy or sticky foods until your final restoration is in.
Why not just pull the tooth?
Keeping your own tooth helps you chew normally and keeps nearby teeth from shifting. A pulled tooth often needs to be replaced with a bridge or implant later. In some cases, removing the tooth is still the right call.
How long does a tooth last after a root canal?
With a well-fitting crown and good care, a treated tooth can last many years. Regular checkups help catch any problems early.
Related care
You may also want to know about
Pulpotomy
A gentle way to save a child's decayed baby tooth until it falls out on its own.
About pulpotomyCracked Teeth
Find and repair cracks early, before they spread and put the whole tooth at risk.
About cracked teethTooth Extractions
Careful removal of a tooth that cannot be saved, plus a plan to replace it if you want one.
About tooth extractionsQuestions?
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Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.