Severe pain radiating from a tooth often signals infection deep within the tooth’s pulp, where nerve tissue and blood vessels reside. Root canal therapy offers a proven solution for saving an infected tooth that might otherwise require extraction. This endodontic treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp, eliminates the source of pain, and preserves your natural tooth structure for continued function and a complete smile.
Dr. Jeannette Jimenez provides comprehensive root canal treatment at Georgia Microendodontics, combining advanced technology with compassionate care. Her Columbia University training and years of experience performing endodontic procedures ensure you receive the highest standard of care when facing dental pain or infection. We offer same-day emergency appointments because we understand that severe tooth pain requires prompt attention.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal procedure addresses infection or damage within the dental pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerve tissue, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When bacteria enter this inner chamber through deep decay, cracks, or repeated dental procedures, the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Without treatment, infection spreads through the root canal system into the surrounding bone, potentially forming an abscess and causing increasingly severe pain.
Root canal therapy removes the diseased tissue from inside the tooth while preserving the outer tooth structure. The procedure involves accessing the pulp chamber, removing infected pulp and nerve tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing the tooth to prevent future infection. Despite common misconceptions, modern root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than receiving a standard dental filling, thanks to local anesthetic and advanced techniques.
The goal of this endodontic treatment is tooth preservation. Keeping your natural tooth maintains proper chewing function, protects adjacent teeth from excessive wear, and preserves the natural appearance of your smile. A treated tooth, when properly restored, can function normally for many years, often a lifetime with appropriate care.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
Understanding symptoms of pulp infection helps ensure timely treatment before complications develop. Severe pain when chewing or applying pressure to a tooth often indicates pulp inflammation or infection. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that persists after the stimulus is removed suggests pulp damage requiring evaluation. Tooth discoloration, particularly darkening that occurs without obvious external staining, may indicate internal tissue death.
Swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding a tooth point to possible infection spreading from the pulp chamber into surrounding tissues. A persistent or recurring pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth root signals drainage from an infected root canal. Some infected teeth cause minimal discomfort initially, making regular dental examinations important for early detection before symptoms become severe.
Deep cavity formation, trauma to a tooth, or cracks in tooth structure allow bacteria to reach the pulp chamber. Previous dental procedures on a tooth, particularly multiple restorations over time, may eventually irritate the pulp sufficiently to require canal treatment. Any tooth experiencing these conditions should receive prompt evaluation to determine whether endodontic treatment is necessary.
The Root Canal Procedure
Root canal treatment typically begins with comprehensive examination and diagnostic imaging to assess the infection extent and plan the appropriate approach. We administer local anesthetic to ensure your complete comfort throughout the dental procedure. For patients experiencing anxiety, we offer sedation options to help you feel relaxed during treatment.
Once the tooth is numb, we place a dental dam around the treated tooth. This protective sheet isolates the tooth from saliva and keeps the treatment area clean and dry during the procedure. We then create a small access opening in the tooth crown to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
Using specialized instruments, we carefully remove infected pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and throughout each root canal. Advanced technology enhances this critical cleaning phase. Our GentleWave system uses fluid dynamics and acoustic energy to reach microscopic spaces where bacteria hide, providing superior disinfection compared to traditional methods. The Fotona laser further enhances bacterial elimination and promotes healing in tissues surrounding the tooth root.
After thorough cleaning and disinfection, we fill the canal space with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This rubber-like substance seals the canal system to prevent bacteria from re-entering. We place a temporary filling to protect the tooth between appointments if additional visits are required. Most root canal procedures are completed in one or two visits, depending on infection severity and tooth anatomy complexity.
Restoring Your Treated Tooth
Following root canal therapy, the restored tooth requires permanent protection to prevent fracture and restore full function. Most teeth need a crown placed over the tooth structure after endodontic treatment. Root canal procedures remove significant tooth structure during access and cleaning, and the tooth becomes more brittle over time without its internal blood supply. A crown protects the weakened tooth structure and distributes chewing forces evenly.
Your general dentist typically places the final restoration after we complete the canal treatment. We provide detailed information about restoration timing and work closely with referring dentists to ensure seamless care coordination. Properly restored teeth function like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular dental care.
Some anterior teeth with minimal structural loss may require only a permanent filling rather than a crown. We evaluate each situation individually and provide specific recommendations based on remaining tooth structure and functional demands placed on that particular tooth.
Preventing Root Canal Infection
While not all situations requiring root canal treatment are preventable, several practices reduce your risk of developing an infected root canal. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene prevents tooth decay, the leading cause of pulp infection. Brushing twice daily and flossing removes bacteria before they penetrate tooth enamel. Regular dental examinations allow early detection and treatment of cavities before they reach the dental pulp.
Protecting teeth from trauma prevents cracks and fractures that allow bacterial entry. Wearing protective mouthguards during sports activities shields teeth from impact. Addressing teeth grinding or clenching with a nightguard prevents stress fractures in tooth structure that might lead to pulp exposure.
Seeking prompt treatment for dental problems prevents minor issues from progressing to pulp infection. A small cavity treated early requires only a simple filling, while delayed treatment may allow decay to reach the pulp chamber, necessitating more extensive endodontic treatment. Early intervention typically means simpler, less costly treatment with better long-term outcomes.
Advanced Care for Complex Cases
Some clinical situations present additional challenges requiring enhanced treatment approaches. Teeth with calcified canals, where mineral deposits narrow or block root canals, require specialized techniques and advanced imaging for successful treatment. Teeth with unusual anatomy, including extra canals or complex branching patterns, benefit from the superior cleaning capabilities of our GentleWave technology.
Infected teeth with large abscesses affecting surrounding bone may require extended treatment or additional procedures. Teeth that have undergone previous root canal treatment but developed new infection need retreatment to remove old filling material and address persistent bacteria. Our advanced technology and specialized training allow us to handle these complex endodontic cases with predictable success.
For teeth with severe structural damage or infection extending to the tooth root tip, apical surgery may become necessary. This surgical approach accesses the root tip from outside the tooth to remove infected tissue and seal the canal system from the bottom. We perform these procedures when standard root canal therapy alone cannot resolve the infection.
Experience Compassionate Endodontic Treatment
Dr. Jimenez understands that dental pain affects every aspect of daily life, from eating and sleeping to concentrating at work. Her approach to endodontic care emphasizes both technical excellence and patient comfort. Patients consistently describe feeling calm and well-cared-for during their procedures, reflecting our commitment to creating a reassuring environment during what can feel like a stressful experience.
Our practice accepts most major dental insurance plans, including Careington, United Healthcare, Unum, Renaissance, Cigna Total PPO, Humana PPO, and MetLife PPO. We work directly with your insurance provider to maximize benefits and clarify coverage details. For patients without insurance or those seeking payment flexibility, we offer financing options through CareCredit to make necessary care accessible.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or other symptoms suggesting pulp infection, prompt evaluation prevents complications and preserves treatment options. Waiting to address an infected tooth allows infection to spread, potentially causing more severe pain and reducing the likelihood of successful tooth preservation. Contact Georgia Microendodontics at (770) 709-5040 or schedule your consultation to receive the specialized endodontic care you need to eliminate pain and save your natural tooth.
