Acting early matters. Timely root canal treatment can reduce pain, prevent the spread of infection, preserve more healthy tooth structure, and often lower the total cost and complexity of care. When a tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed or infected, fast evaluation helps you save your tooth, avoid complications, and return to eating and smiling comfortably.
At Access Endodontics in Ellicott City, MD, patients receive personalized endodontic care in a calm, welcoming environment. From gentle chairside manner to updated techniques for cleaning and disinfecting the canals, our team focuses on preserving your natural tooth when possible and guiding you through every stage of healing.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure that treats infected tooth pulp and the inside of the tooth to relieve pain and save your natural tooth. The tooth’s pulp, which contains nerve tissue, connective tissue, and blood vessels, can become inflamed or infected due to decay, a deep cavity, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental work. Root canals are common, and with modern anesthesia, root canals hurt far less than most people expect.
How the root canal procedure works
- Diagnosis: The endodontist evaluates symptoms, reviews X-rays, and may use special tests like an electric pulp test (EPT) to determine the vitality of the tooth’s pulp. On an X-ray, a root canal showing infected areas may display a dark or gray gradient near the tip of the tooth root, suggesting changes in the tissues surrounding the root.
- Access: After numbing the area, the clinician places a dental dam to keep the tooth clean and dry. They create a small hole through the chewing surface or back of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and canals inside of the tooth.
- Cleaning: They remove the infected pulp, shape the canals, and disinfect the space so bacteria are eliminated before filling the space back in.
- Filling: After cleansing, the dentist will fill the empty space with a rubbery dental material called gutta percha. This seals the canals to block reinfection.
- Sealing: A temporary filling closes the access opening until your final restoration, when your general dentist places a crown or permanent filling on the treated tooth.
Access Endodontics uses state-of-the-art techniques that help make each root canal procedure more precise and comfortable, from isolation with a dental dam to thorough disinfection and careful sealing.
Why saving your natural tooth matters
When possible, saving a natural tooth with endodontic treatment is better than extraction. A natural tooth maintains chewing efficiency, preserves the jawbone, supports adjacent teeth, and looks and feels like your own tooth. In many cases, a root canal treatment is less invasive and less costly than implants or bridges, and it helps you save your tooth long term.
For more information and helpful videos, see the American Association of Endodontists.
5 signs you may need a root canal
Root canal symptoms might vary, and not everyone has all signs at once. If any of these occur, schedule an evaluation promptly.
1) Persistent tooth pain
- Ongoing tooth pain that worsens or does not respond to over the counter pain relievers may indicate inflamed or infected pulp. Pain can be sharp during chewing, or throb at rest. A root canal treats infected pulp inside the tooth and typically relieves this pain.
2) Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Sensitivity that lingers after ice water, hot coffee, or sweet foods can signal nerve irritation from an infected tooth. If sensitivity lasts more than 30 seconds after the stimulus is removed, you may need a root canal.
3) Swelling or a bump on the gums
- Swelling, tenderness, or a small pimple-like bump near the affected tooth can indicate an abscess. This suggests a root canal infection and requires prompt care to prevent the infection weakening nearby bone.
4) Tooth discoloration
- A darkening or gray tooth, especially after trauma, can mean the nerve has been damaged internally. Discoloration plus other signs may suggest you need root canal treatment to save your natural tooth.
5) Deep cavities, cracks, or trauma
- Deep cavities, cracks, or a fractured tooth can expose the pulp to bacteria. If bacteria enter the inside of the tooth, a root canal treats infected tooth pulp before damage spreads to tissues surrounding the root.
Why you should not wait
Waiting to get an assessment can compound your dental problems.
Infection can spread
Delaying care allows bacteria to travel deeper into the tooth root, nearby bone, or adjacent teeth. The longer you wait, the more the infection may undermine tooth structure and the tissues surrounding the root.
Complications become more likely
Untreated infection can lead to abscess formation, bone loss, or more extensive involvement of connective tissue. In severe cases, spreading infection can cause systemic symptoms. These are risks or complications that are largely avoidable with timely endodontic treatment.
Treatment often becomes more complex and costly
As infection progresses, the root canal procedure can become more challenging, healing may be slower, and additional procedures may be needed. Early root canal treatment usually means a simpler visit, smoother recovery, and better endodontic treatment outcomes.
Infection impacts neighboring teeth
An untreated infected tooth can disturb your bite, strain adjacent teeth, and contribute to gum issues. Prompt root canal therapy clears infection and stabilizes your bite.
Why choose Access Endodontics for a root canal
We pride ourselves on our patient-centered approach: clear communication, compassionate care, and a focus on preserving your natural tooth. We use advanced methods to deliver precision endodontic work and get your root canal done right in just one visit. Learn more about our care philosophy and what sets us apart as premier endodontic treatment providers in Ellicott City, MD.
What happens after root canal treatment
After your root canal you should:
- Expect mild soreness for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough.
- Chew on the opposite side until the final crown is placed to protect the treated tooth.
- Choose soft, cool options like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and eggs for the first day or two.
- Brush gently but thoroughly, floss daily, and avoid extremely hard foods while healing.
- If you grind your teeth, discuss a night guard with your dentist.
A temporary filling is not meant for long-term use. Placing the permanent restoration (filling or crown) promptly protects the treated tooth against fracture and reinfection. Regular dental checkups help maintain long term oral health and monitor endodontically treated teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A root canal procedure removes inflamed or infected pulp from inside of the tooth, cleans and shapes the canals, and seals them. The clinician removes the infected pulp, disinfects the canals thoroughly, then uses gutta percha to seal and fill the empty space. A temporary filling closes the access hole until your dentist completes filling or crown placement. A root canal treats infected tooth pulp while keeping the outer tooth structure intact.
Most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes for a single rooted front tooth, and 90 to 120 minutes for molars.
Soreness usually improves within 24 to 72 hours. Many patients return to normal activities the same day or next day.
Antibiotics cannot remove bacteria inside the canals. They may reduce symptoms temporarily but do not eliminate the source. Only endodontic treatment, which cleans inside the tooth, can resolve the infection at its origin. The root canal clears infection within the canals so surrounding tissues can heal.
Costs vary by tooth type, complexity, and insurance. Molars typically cost more than front teeth due to additional canals. A timely root canal treatment can be more affordable than extraction plus replacement.
Many factors influence timing. Deep decay, a deep cavity, cracks, or trauma can inflame the pulp quickly. If you notice the signs above, seek evaluation promptly. Early care helps save your tooth and prevent complications.
If the tooth is fractured below the gum line or cannot be restored, extraction may be necessary. Significant bone loss or non restorable tooth structure can also limit options. An exam with imaging determines whether endodontic therapy can save your natural tooth.
If jaw pain is caused by a diseased tooth or inflamed tissues surrounding the root, a root canal can help. If pain stems from TMJ issues or muscle strain, different treatment may be needed. Your dentist or endodontist will evaluate the cause.
Conditions like acid reflux, eating disorders, or unmanaged diabetes can increase risk of enamel erosion, dry mouth, and sensitivity. Medications that reduce saliva may worsen symptoms. A thorough dental exam can identify causes and solutions.
Use desensitizing toothpaste, soft bristle brushing, and a fluoride rinse. Avoid very acidic foods and drinks. Treat underlying issues like teeth grinding with a night guard. If sensitivity lingers, see your dentist to check for cracks, decay, or pulp inflammation.
Most dental care, including a root canal, can be safely performed during pregnancy with proper precautions. Local anesthetics are considered safe. Coordinate with your obstetrician and dentist, limit X-rays to those necessary with shielding, and use acetaminophen as advised. Do not ignore an infected tooth, since infection can pose risks.
Risks and expected results
Root canals are common dental procedures with high success rates when combined with proper restoration. Possible risks or complications include persistent infection, a missed canal due to complex anatomy, or fracture if a crown is delayed. Most root canals resolve pain by removing the source of infection in the tooth’s pulp and sealing the canals against bacteria.
Take the next step
If you have persistent tooth pain, lingering sensitivity, gum swelling or a small bump, tooth discoloration, or a deep cavity or crack, you may need a root canal. Early evaluation at Access Endodontics helps save your tooth, relieve pain, and avoid complications. Schedule a consultation to discuss whether root canal treatment is right for you.