Root Canal Therapy

At Pomerado Cosmetic Dentistry, our goal is to help you preserve your natural teeth and enhance your smile. When decay or infection reaches the inner portion of a tooth, root canal therapy can often save it from extraction and restore its health, function, and comfort. Our experienced dentists, Dr. Valeri Sacknoff, Dr. Robbi Wilson, and Dr. Andrew Park perform gentle, precise root canal treatments using advanced dental care to ensure the best possible experience and results for every patient. 

• What Is Root Canal Therapy? 
• Signs You Need a Root Canal 
• Root Canal Benefits 
• Root Canal Procedure 
• Root Canal Results 
• Root Canal Alternatives
• Do Root Canals Hurt? 

What Is Root Canal Therapy? 

Root canal therapy, often referred to simply as a “root canal,” is a restorative dental procedure designed to treat infection or inflammation within the soft inner tissue (pulp) of a tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help the tooth develop and stay healthy. When bacteria enter this space due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma, it can cause pain, swelling, and even lead to an abscess if left untreated. 

During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection. A custom restoration—usually a dental crown—is then placed to strengthen and protect the treated tooth. This process can not only alleviate discomfort but also preserve your natural tooth structure, allowing you to chew and smile with confidence. 

What Are Signs You Need a Root Canal? 

Some dental problems may be painless in their early stages, but when infection reaches the inner pulp, symptoms often become more noticeable. You may need root canal therapy if you experience any of the following: 

• Persistent toothache or pain when chewing 
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the stimulus is removed 
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a tooth 
• Darkening or discoloration of a tooth 
• A pimple-like bump (abscess) on the gums 
• Deep decay or a crack that exposes the inner layers of the tooth 

Even if your symptoms subside temporarily, it’s important to seek evaluation right away. Pain relief doesn’t always mean the infection is gone. Dr. Sacknoff, Dr. Wilson, and Dr. Park can perform a thorough exam, often including digital X-rays or a 3D image, to determine whether root canal therapy is the best solution for your condition. 

What Are Benefits of Root Canal Therapy? 

Root canal therapy provides several key advantages over tooth extraction or leaving an infected tooth untreated: 

• Saves your natural tooth – Preserving the original tooth helps maintain proper bite alignment and jawbone support. 
• Stops the spread of infection – Removing infected tissue prevents bacteria from reaching neighboring teeth or entering the bloodstream. 
• Relieves pain and sensitivity – Once the infection is eliminated, most patients experience immediate or rapid relief from discomfort. 
• Restores normal function – After treatment, you can eat, speak, and smile more comfortably without pain or pressure. 
• Aesthetic results – When restored with a dental crown, the treated tooth can blend seamlessly with your natural smile. 

At Pomerado Cosmetic Dentistry, our conservative approach prioritizes saving teeth whenever possible, helping patients avoid the long-term complications and costs that can come from tooth loss. 

What Does the Root Canal Procedure Involve? 

Root canal therapy is typically completed in one or two visits, depending on the extent of infection and restoration needs. Here’s what you may expect: 

• Diagnosis and Preparation – After confirming that a root canal is necessary, the tooth and surrounding area are numbed using local anesthesia for your comfort. 
• Accessing the Pulp – A small opening is made at the top of the tooth to reach the infected pulp chamber. 
• Cleaning and Shaping – The diseased pulp tissue is carefully removed, and the inner canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to receive the filling material. 
• Filling and Sealing – The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent reinfection. 
• Restoration – A crown or filling is placed to restore strength, appearance, and function. For many patients, we use CEREC® same-day crown technology, allowing the entire restoration to be completed in a single visit. 

What Can I Expect After My Root Canal? 

After your root canal, it’s normal to experience mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. You should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your final restoration is placed, especially if a temporary filling is used. 

Once the permanent crown or filling is in place, your tooth should feel and function just like your natural teeth. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, your treated tooth can last for decades, or even a lifetime. 

Dr. Sacknoff and Dr. Wilson will provide detailed aftercare instructions and monitor your healing during follow-up visits to ensure long-term success. 

Are There Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy? 

If the tooth is too severely damaged or the infection cannot be fully resolved, extraction may be the only alternative. In such cases, Dr. Sacknoff or Dr. Wilson will discuss tooth replacement options such as: 

• Dental implants, which can permanently replace the missing tooth root and crown 
• Implant dentures, which provide a secure, comfortable solution for multiple missing teeth

While these restorations can restore appearance and function, preserving your natural tooth with root canal therapy is almost always the preferred and most conservative option when possible. 

Do Root Canals Hurt? 

One of the most common misconceptions about root canal therapy is that it is painful. In reality, thanks to advanced techniques and anesthesia, modern root canal treatments are typically no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling. 

At Pomerado Cosmetic Dentistry, we use the Single Tooth Anesthesia System® (STA), an innovative computer-assisted delivery system that numbs only the affected tooth precisely and gently, without the lingering numbness of traditional injections. This dental technology helps ensure a virtually painless experience from start to finish. 

Combined with Dr. Sacknoff, Dr. Wilson, and Dr. Park’s compassionate chairside manner and advanced expertise, you’ll feel confident knowing your root canal treatment can be as stress-free and comfortable as possible. 

Preserve Your Smile with Gentle, Effective Root Canal Care 

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or other signs of infection, don’t wait. Early treatment can help save your tooth and prevent further complications. Contact Pomerado Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sacknoff or Dr. Wilson and learn more about how root canal therapy can restore your oral health and comfort.