Root Canal

Root canal therapy (or Endodontics Treatment) is the removal of the nerve and blood vessels of a tooth to try to save it from extraction. This type of dental treatment is necessary when the pulp (aka “the nerve” or the inside of a tooth) becomes inflamed or infected.

Our dentists and specialists have extensive experience in performing simple and complex dental treatments, helping families and patients of all ages from Mexico and the United States.

Benefits of Endodontics

Saving the natural tooth with root canal therapy has many advantages:

A dental extraction is avoided; this means there will be no missing teeth or gaps.
It stops the spread of infection to neighboring teeth.
It prevents the jawbone from degenerating.
You can chew and bite normally a few days after the procedure.
Any pain related to the infected tooth will go away.

FAQs

How is the endodontics treatment procedure?

The procedure usually lasts between one and two hours, and it involves the following steps:

Removal of the inflamed or infected root.
Cleaning of the inside of the tooth.
Filling and sealing the tooth with a synthetic material.
Restoration of the tooth, usually by placing a crown over it for protection.

When is root canal therapy needed?

Symptoms that could indicate that root canal therapy is needed include:

Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure.
Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures.
Darkening of the tooth.
Swollen or tender gums near the infected area.
Pus-filled pimples around the gum.
Abscess in the jawbone (visible on an x-ray).
A foul smell or taste emanating from the infected tooth.

Is Root Canal therapy painful?

Most people associate having a root canal with a lot of pain and discomfort, but the reality is that it doesn’t cause pain but relieves it. Root canal therapy causes no more discomfort than a filling would.

Modern technology has made this treatment a virtually pain-free experience that usually lasts about 1-2 hours, which means that root canal therapy can be completed in one visit (although sometimes, a second appointment may be needed).

Are there alternatives to a Root Canal?

When there’s an infected or inflamed tooth root, root canal therapy is best preferred because this way, patients can preserve their natural teeth. An alternative to this treatment is a dental extraction.

Still, apart from losing your teeth, you might end up spending more money long term than what you initially estimated, since a dental extraction is usually followed by an implant to replace the missing tooth.

If you want to avoid the need for root canal therapy in the future, make sure to keep your mouth decay-free by brushing and flossing every day, avoiding sugary drinks and foods, and having regular professional cleanings and exams.