7034 Hospital Drive, Dublin, OH 43016
Save Your Tooth and Stop the Pain
A toothache that won't quit, sensitivity that lingers long after eating something hot or cold, or swelling near a specific tooth are often signs that infection or inflammation has reached the pulp inside your tooth. Root canal therapy is a restorative procedure that removes that infected or inflamed pulp, relieving pain and, in most cases, saving the natural tooth from needing to be extracted altogether.
At Avery Dental Wellness, we use advanced techniques to gently clean and seal the tooth from the inside, preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible while protecting it from future infection. With sedation options available, you can relax throughout the process, and most patients are surprised at how quickly the pain they came in with starts to fade.
Schedule a Root Canal Consultation
Understanding Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment has a reputation that doesn't quite match the modern procedure. Thanks to better anesthesia, more precise instruments and advanced imaging, today's root canals are far more comfortable than the outdated stereotype suggests, and most patients describe the experience as no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
The goal of the procedure is straightforward: remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thoroughly clean and disinfect the space it left behind, then seal it to prevent future infection. Because the outer structure of the tooth remains intact, a root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than replacing it with an implant or bridge, provided the tooth's outer structure is strong enough to support it.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
- Relieves pain quickly – Removing infected pulp eliminates the source of pain, and most patients feel relief almost immediately after treatment.
- Saves your natural tooth – A root canal allows you to keep your original tooth rather than needing an extraction and replacement.
- Prevents the spread of infection – Treating infected pulp stops bacteria from spreading to surrounding teeth, gums or bone.
- Preserves your natural bite – Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain proper alignment and chewing function.
- Long-lasting results – A properly treated and restored tooth can function normally for many years, often a lifetime, with good care.
- More comfortable than its reputation suggests – Modern anesthesia and techniques make root canal treatment far more comfortable than many patients expect.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
Root canal therapy follows a careful, precise process designed to remove infection while keeping you comfortable throughout.
Diagnosis and Imaging
Local Anesthesia
Pulp Removal and Cleaning
What to Expect from Your Procedure
Cost
Costs vary by tooth and complexity. We'll provide a detailed estimate during your exam and review your insurance coverage before treatment begins.
Procedure Duration
Most root canal treatments are completed in a single 60 to 90 minute appointment, though more complex cases may require an additional visit.
Pain Level
Modern root canals are no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Most patients feel relief from their original pain almost immediately following treatment.
Who Needs a Root Canal?
A root canal may be recommended if you have:
- Persistent tooth pain, especially pain that lingers after hot or cold exposure
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a specific tooth
- A tooth that has darkened or discolored compared to surrounding teeth
- A deep cavity that has reached the tooth's inner pulp
- A cracked or chipped tooth that has exposed the pulp to bacteria
- A recurring pimple-like bump on the gums near a tooth, which can indicate infection
During your exam, Dr. Dennison will use digital X-rays to confirm whether the pulp is infected and whether a root canal is the appropriate treatment to save the tooth.
Don’t Let Tooth Pain Linger
Persistent tooth pain is your body's way of telling you something needs attention. A root canal can relieve that pain quickly while saving your natural tooth in the process.
Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation