Root Canal

Root canal treatment is a procedure used to save a tooth when the inside tissue (the pulp) becomes infected or severely inflamed. At McCracken Family Dentistry, root canals are performed to eliminate pain and infection while preserving your natural tooth—often avoiding the need for extraction and keeping your bite stable.

A root canal may be needed when deep decay, a crack, trauma, or repeated dental work allows bacteria to reach the pulp. Symptoms can include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, throbbing tooth pain, swelling, tenderness when biting, or a pimple-like bump on the gums. In some cases, infection is present with little discomfort, which is why routine exams and digital X-rays are important.

During treatment, the tooth is numbed to keep you comfortable. Your dentist creates a small opening, removes the infected tissue, and carefully cleans and disinfects the canals inside the roots. The space is then filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to help prevent reinfection. Because a treated tooth can become more brittle over time, a crown is often recommended afterward—especially for molars—to restore strength and allow normal chewing.

Modern root canal therapy is typically much easier than people expect. Most patients feel relief once the source of infection is removed and can return to regular activities soon after the appointment. Mild soreness for a few days can occur and is usually manageable with recommended medications and proper care.

Saving your natural tooth helps maintain alignment, supports efficient chewing, and reduces the chance of neighboring teeth shifting. McCracken Family Dentistry will explain each step, answer your questions, and provide aftercare guidance so you can heal comfortably and get back to a healthy, confident smile.