Persistent tooth pain, sensitivity or swelling can sometimes mean the inner portion of a tooth has become inflamed or infected. At Excellence in Dentistry, our dentists provide root canal treatment in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to remove damaged tissue, relieve the source of infection and preserve a natural tooth when it can be predictably restored.
Dr. Curtis Godfrey and Dr. Brock Russell provide comprehensive restorative care and evaluate whether an injured or infected tooth can be saved before recommending removal. Dr. Russell has completed more than 25 root canal cases and has additional experience with restorative dentistry and surgical care.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Inside each tooth is a space containing pulp tissue made up of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When that tissue becomes inflamed or infected because of deep decay, a crack, trauma or another problem, it may no longer be able to heal on its own.
Root canal treatment removes the affected tissue from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the internal spaces, and seals the tooth to help prevent further contamination. The tooth can then be restored so it can continue functioning in your bite.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Symptoms vary, and not every tooth that needs treatment causes severe pain. An examination is necessary to determine the cause of the problem.
Signs that are worth having evaluated include:
- Persistent or worsening tooth pain
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling or tenderness near a tooth
- A pimple-like area on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth after injury
- A deep cavity or significant crack
If decay is still limited to the outer tooth structure, a dental filling may be sufficient. Root canal treatment is considered when the problem has progressed into the pulp or internal tissues of the tooth.
Can Root Canal Treatment Save a Tooth?
The primary purpose of root canal treatment is to preserve a natural tooth that would otherwise be at risk of removal. Saving the tooth can help maintain chewing function, support the surrounding teeth and avoid creating a missing-tooth space.
Not every damaged tooth can be saved, however. Our dentists evaluate the amount of remaining tooth structure, cracks or fractures, periodontal support and the condition of the root before recommending treatment.
If the tooth cannot be predictably restored, tooth extraction and replacement options may need to be considered instead.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Treatment begins with an examination and imaging to evaluate the tooth, its roots and the surrounding structures. Our dentists will explain what they find and whether root canal treatment is an appropriate way to preserve the tooth.
During treatment, the affected tissue is removed from inside the tooth. The root canal spaces are cleaned, shaped and sealed. The exact procedure depends on the tooth and the complexity of its root anatomy.
After root canal treatment, the tooth usually requires a final restoration to protect the remaining structure and restore normal function.
Do You Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
Many teeth, particularly back teeth that experience heavier chewing forces, may benefit from a dental crown after root canal treatment. The crown helps restore the tooth and provides additional protection when significant structure has been lost.
Whether a crown is needed depends on the location of the tooth, how much healthy structure remains and the forces placed on it. Our dentists evaluate the restorative needs of the tooth as part of the overall treatment plan rather than treating the root canal as an isolated procedure.
Root Canal Treatment vs. Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is infected or severely damaged, patients often want to know whether it should be saved or removed. The answer depends on the long-term outlook for the tooth.
If the tooth has enough healthy structure and support to be restored predictably, root canal treatment may allow you to keep your natural tooth. If a fracture, extensive decay or another problem makes restoration unreliable, extraction may be the more appropriate option.
When a tooth does need to be removed, our dentists can also discuss replacement options such as a dental bridge or dental implant.
Why Restoring the Tooth Matters After Treatment
Root canal treatment addresses the problem inside the tooth, but the remaining tooth structure still needs to withstand everyday biting and chewing. A properly planned final restoration helps return the tooth to function and protects the structure that remains.
Dr. Godfrey has more than 20 years of comprehensive clinical experience and has completed approximately 7,000 crown and bridge treatments. His advanced Spear Education training includes restorative dentistry, occlusion and comprehensive treatment planning.
Dr. Russell has completed more than 2,000 fillings and restorative cases, more than 300 crowns and more than 25 root canal cases. This restorative background helps him evaluate the tooth both before endodontic treatment and when planning the restoration that follows.
What If You Have Severe Tooth Pain?
Severe tooth pain can have several causes, including decay, infection, cracks, bite-related problems and issues involving the gums or surrounding tissues. A root canal is not automatically the right treatment for every painful tooth.
An examination allows our dentists to identify the likely source of the problem and determine whether the tooth needs root canal treatment, another restorative procedure or a different type of care.
Because dental problems can become more difficult to treat as they progress, persistent pain, swelling or significant sensitivity is worth evaluating rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Root Canal Treatment FAQs
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Persistent pain, lingering temperature sensitivity, pain when biting, swelling or a deep cavity may indicate a problem inside the tooth, but symptoms alone cannot confirm the need for treatment. Our dentists will examine the tooth and use appropriate imaging before making a recommendation.
Does a root canal save the natural tooth?
The goal of root canal treatment is to preserve a natural tooth by removing inflamed or infected tissue from inside it. The tooth must still have enough healthy structure and support to be restored predictably.
Will I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Many teeth need additional protection after a root canal, particularly molars and teeth that have lost significant structure. Our dentists will determine whether a crown or another restoration is appropriate for your tooth.
Is a root canal better than having the tooth pulled?
When a tooth can be predictably saved, preserving it may help maintain your natural bite and avoid a missing-tooth space. If the tooth is too damaged to restore reliably, extraction may be the more appropriate treatment. Our dentists will explain the expected outlook for each option.
Can a tooth still hurt after a root canal?
Some temporary tenderness can occur after treatment. The expected recovery varies by tooth and individual circumstances. Contact our office if discomfort is severe, worsening or does not improve as expected.
Can a root canal treat an infected tooth?
Root canal treatment is used to remove infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth and seal the internal spaces. Our dentists will determine whether the tooth can be treated and restored successfully.
Where can I get root canal treatment in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
Excellence in Dentistry provides root canal treatment for appropriate teeth that may be preserved instead of removed. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule an evaluation with our dentists.
Get a Painful or Infected Tooth Evaluated
If tooth pain, sensitivity or swelling may be coming from the inside of a tooth, root canal treatment in Idaho Falls, ID, may help preserve it when the tooth can be predictably restored. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule an evaluation at Excellence in Dentistry and learn which treatment option is appropriate for your tooth.