Root Canal: A Patient Guide to What It Is, What It Helps & Why
No one enjoys a dental surprise—especially one that throbs.
A root canal may sound intimidating, and has become a viral topic on social media. Many of us have seen influencers talking about how root canals can cause systemic illness or even that root canals lead to cancer. However, it’s often a gentle, lasting answer to tooth pain. Put simply, a root canal removes infected tissue inside a tooth, seals it, and lets you keep that tooth..
In the next few minutes you’ll learn how the procedure works, how it feels, what it costs, how fast you heal, and when an alternative might make more sense.
A root canal cleans infection, relieves pain, and saves your natural tooth with minimal discomfort while removing the infection in your mouth.
Your teeth don’t live in isolation. Inflammation in one tooth can fuel swelling elsewhere in your body. When infection reaches the pulp—the soft nerve center inside the tooth—it can spread, ramp up pain, and even raise heart‑health risks. According to the American Association of Endodontists, modern root canal therapy enjoys a 95 percent success rate when followed by a proper crown. In short, it’s a predictable path to whole‑body wellness.
A root canal, sometimes called endodontic therapy, is a precise, tooth‑saving treatment that removes infected pulp, disinfects the inner chamber, and seals the space so bacteria cannot return.
Picture a tooth in layers: hard enamel on the outside, sturdy dentin beneath, and the pulp—a bundle of nerves and blood vessels—sitting inside the root canals. Infection here causes sharp pain and swelling.
There are many opinions on root canals out there and many people are concerned that root canal therapy can cause systemic health issues. When looking at the science, root canal therapy does not cause any systemic health issues. It should be noted that root canal treatment, like any medical treatment, can fail- reintroducing bacteria into the tooth and surrounding bone structure. That’s why at Root Dental, we take a 3D CBCT x-ray for all new patients and patients with root canal treated teeth to make sure there’s no infection lying beneath the surface.
Deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma can let bacteria reach the pulp. You might notice lingering sensitivity to heat or cold, gum swelling, or a pimple‑like bump on the gum.
We start with a conversation about your symptoms and a 3D CBCT digital dental X‑rays. The images reveal the exact spot of infection so we treat only what’s needed.
You receive local anesthesia to numb the area completely. Most patients feel nothing more than mild pressure.
Because treated teeth can become brittle, we place a custom crown—a strong, natural‑looking cap—to protect the tooth and restore full chewing strength.
During treatment you’re numb. Afterwards you may feel mild soreness, similar to a new filling, which over‑the‑counter pain relievers control.
On rare occasions infection returns or a root cracks. We may recommend retreatment or a minor surgical fix called an apicoectomy.
Keeping your own tooth maintains natural bite, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and preserves jawbone density.
With proper restoration and good hygiene, a root‑canal‑treated tooth can last a lifetime.
Fees vary by tooth location and complexity—often $800 to $1,500 before insurance. Most dental plans cover 50 to 80 percent once deductibles are met. We provide a clear estimate before treatment.
Like anything in medicine and when working with the human body, no treatment option is 100% successful. Root canal therapy can be a great option to sustain the longevity of an infected tooth, but it may not last forever. Root canal treated teeth can remain stable for many years, but they may become reinfected.
The reason this is of concern is because when there is no nerve present (which is the case when a root canal is completed), there are oftentimes no early symptoms if a reinfection occurs.
We recommend having a CBCT 3D x-ray done periodically to check the stability of root canal treated teeth. If there is a recurrent infection, it should be addressed to avoid an infection from growing. That being said, there are many root canals that remain stable and cause no harm over many years.
Pulling the tooth may seem cheaper now, but when a tooth is removed, it is best to have it replaced. Replacement options such as implants or bridges often cost more and require additional visits.
Endodontists complete at least two extra years of training focused on root canals and use tools like microscopes and CBCT imaging for precise care. We’ll guide you if a referral serves you best.
One to three hours, depending on the tooth’s root structure.
Yes, you can drive yourself home after a root canal.
Soft foods like yogurt, eggs, and smoothies for the first day or two if you’re feeling discomfort. Otherwise, you can eat normally.
Persistent pain with cold beverages, swelling, or a darkened tooth are common signs.However, Aa thorough dental exam with x-rays is needed to diagnose.
Infection can spread, causing bone loss and severe pain, and may force an extraction.
Studies show a 90 to 95 percent success rate over ten years or more when followed by a crown.
A root canal can be a great option to save an infected tooth. However, at Root Dental, we believe in patient autonomy and incorporating your wants and values into your dental care. So, while a root canal may be an option for some. If you want to avoid root canal treatment, we will be happy to discuss all your options, including those that don’t include root canal therapy.
Ready to feel relief? Call 224‑333‑2063 or request an appointment online to learn more—we’ll get in touch with you soon.
Call 224-333-2063 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.