Root Canal

Root canal therapy is a restorative treatment used to save a tooth that is infected or severely inflamed inside. At Forest Hills Dental Associates, root canal therapy is performed to relieve pain, stop infection, and preserve your natural tooth—often preventing the need for extraction.

A root canal may be recommended when deep decay, a crack, trauma, or repeated dental work allows bacteria to reach the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth). Common symptoms include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, swelling, or a pimple-like bump on the gums. Sometimes, infection is present with few symptoms, which is why exams and digital X-rays are important for early diagnosis.

During treatment, the tooth is numbed for comfort. Your dentist creates a small opening to remove infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth and carefully cleans and disinfects the root canals. The canals are then filled and sealed to prevent reinfection. To restore strength and function, the tooth is usually protected with a crown, especially for back teeth that handle heavier chewing forces.

Modern root canal therapy is typically much more comfortable than its reputation suggests. Most patients feel significant relief once the infection is removed and can return to normal activities soon after treatment. Mild soreness is possible for a few days and is often managed with over-the-counter medication, as directed.

Saving the natural tooth helps maintain proper bite alignment and chewing efficiency while reducing the risk of neighboring teeth shifting. With good oral hygiene and routine dental visits, a tooth treated with root canal therapy can last for many years.

Forest Hills Dental Associates will guide you through each step, answer your questions, and tailor care to keep you comfortable—helping you return to a healthy, pain-free smile.