Why Damaged Tooth Pulp Needs Treatment
Each tooth has a soft center called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp runs through narrow channels in the roots, and it can become inflamed or infected when bacteria reach it. This usually happens because of deep decay, a crack or chip, repeated dental work on the same tooth, or an injury. Once the pulp is damaged, it cannot heal on its own, and the infection can spread to the surrounding bone and gums.
Treating the problem early gives the best outcome. Left alone, an infected tooth can lead to severe pain, swelling, abscess formation, and eventually the loss of the tooth. A root canal stops the infection at its source and gives the tooth a chance to remain in your mouth for the long term.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Some teeth give clear warning signals, while others cause no pain at all until an infection is advanced. That is why regular exams and digital images are so valuable. Please contact our office if you notice any of the following.
- Persistent tooth pain, especially a throbbing ache that does not go away
- Pain when you bite down or put pressure on the tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts after the temperature is removed
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a tooth
- A small pimple like bump on the gum, which can be a sign of infection
- A tooth that has darkened or changed color
- A cracked or chipped tooth, or a tooth with a very deep cavity
- A bad taste or odor in your mouth that does not improve with brushing
If you have facial swelling, a fever, or severe pain, please call us right away. Our emergency dentistry page explains what to do when a toothache cannot wait.
A Gentle Journey Through Your Root Canal Visit
Root canal therapy follows a clear sequence of steps. Knowing what to expect can ease anxiety and help you feel more in control. Treatment is often completed in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and the extent of the infection. Here is what you can expect.
01
Exam and Digital Images
We evaluate the tooth, take images to see the roots and surrounding bone, and confirm that a root canal is the right solution. We explain what we found and what to expect.
02
Numbing for Comfort
We apply a local anesthetic so the tooth and the area around it are completely numb before we begin.
03
Creating Access
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth so we can reach the pulp chamber and the root canals inside.
04
Removing Damaged Tissue
The inflamed or infected pulp is carefully removed from the chamber and the canals.
05
Cleaning and Shaping
The canals are cleaned thoroughly and shaped so they can be filled and sealed. Cleaning solutions help remove bacteria from areas that instruments cannot reach.
06
Filling and Sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to keep bacteria from returning.
07
Protecting the Tooth
A temporary filling may be placed to close the opening. In many cases, we plan a permanent restoration to strengthen the tooth for the long term.
Why Most Root Canal Treated Teeth Need a Crown
After a root canal, the tooth no longer has a living pulp, and it can become more brittle over time. Back teeth in particular take a lot of chewing force, and a tooth that has lost structure to decay or an opening for treatment may be at higher risk of cracking. For this reason, we often recommend protecting the tooth with a dental crown, which covers and strengthens it.
Front teeth that are in good condition may sometimes be restored with a composite filling instead. Our team will recommend the right restoration for each tooth based on its location, its remaining structure, and the way you bite. Placing the final restoration in a timely way is an important step in protecting your investment.
Understanding Root Canal Costs and Coverage
Many patients worry about cost when they are in pain, and we want to make the financial side as clear as possible. Dental plans often cover root canal therapy as a major or basic service, although coverage levels, waiting periods, and annual maximums vary. Our team will review your benefits, explain your estimated costs, and discuss your options before treatment begins. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid, we are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit for care that insurance does not fully cover.
Do Not Wait for a Toothache to Get Worse
Tooth pain is your body’s way of asking for help, and infections rarely improve without treatment. The sooner a damaged tooth is evaluated, the better the chance of saving it and the more comfortable the process will be. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to relieve your pain, protect your tooth, and answer every question along the way. Call or schedule your visit today.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a dental treatment that removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, cleans the inner canals, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection. The tissue inside the tooth, called the pulp, contains nerves and blood vessels. When it becomes damaged by deep decay, a crack, or an injury, it cannot heal on its own. A root canal saves the natural tooth so it can keep functioning in your mouth.
A root canal is designed to relieve pain, and most patients say it feels similar to having a filling placed. We numb the tooth and the area around it with a local anesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel some pressure and hear the sounds of the instruments. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is common and usually fades quickly.
Common signs include a persistent or throbbing toothache, pain when biting, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling near the tooth, a bump on the gum, and a darkened tooth. Some infected teeth cause no pain at all, so only an exam and digital images can confirm the need. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a visit as soon as possible. Early treatment gives the best chance of saving the tooth.
Many root canals are completed in one or two visits, depending on the tooth, the number of canals, and the extent of the infection. Back teeth have more canals and may take longer than front teeth. Each visit is typically about an hour or so, although the time varies. Our team will give you an estimate for your tooth when you schedule.
An infected tooth rarely heals without treatment. The infection can spread to the surrounding bone and gums, causing increasing pain, swelling, and an abscess. Over time, it can affect your health beyond your mouth, and the tooth may eventually need to be removed. Treating the tooth early is typically more comfortable and less costly than waiting.
In many cases, yes. A tooth that has had a root canal can become more brittle, especially back teeth that handle strong chewing forces. A crown covers and strengthens the tooth so it is less likely to crack or break. Our team will recommend the right restoration based on the tooth and how much healthy structure remains.
In most cases, saving your natural tooth is the better choice because it protects your bite, supports the jawbone, and keeps neighboring teeth from shifting. Removing a tooth often leads to additional treatment, such as an implant or a bridge, to replace it. That said, some teeth are too damaged to save, and we will explain honestly when extraction is the better option. Our goal is to recommend what is best for your long term oral health.
