Relieve Pain. Save Your Tooth.
Modern root canal treatment removes infection from inside a tooth, eases pain, and helps you keep the natural tooth whenever it can be restored.
Mountain View Smiles
Root canals have an intimidating reputation, but the pain that brings many patients to the office usually comes from inflammation or infection inside the tooth—not from the treatment designed to resolve it. With modern techniques, local anesthetic, and comfort options, treatment is much more manageable than many people expect.
The center of each tooth contains soft tissue called pulp. Deep decay, a crack, trauma, or repeated dental work can allow this tissue to become inflamed or infected. Because the tooth is surrounded by hard enamel and dentin, the pressure can lead to significant pain.
Dr. Tom Nack provides root canal treatment at Mountain View Smiles with a focus on preserving your natural tooth and keeping you comfortable. An exam and dental imaging help determine whether root canal care, another restoration, or extraction is the appropriate choice.
Mountain View Smiles
Symptoms can include:
Some infected teeth cause few symptoms. Routine exams and X-rays can sometimes reveal a concern before it becomes an emergency. Call promptly if you have pain or swelling rather than waiting to see if it resolves.
Mountain View Smiles
During root canal treatment, the inflamed or infected tissue is removed from inside the tooth. The internal spaces are cleaned, shaped, and sealed to prevent bacteria from continuing to grow there. The roots themselves remain in place; the goal is to preserve the tooth’s structure and support.
After treatment, the tooth needs a strong final restoration. Depending on its location and remaining structure, Dr. Nack may recommend a tooth-colored filling or a crown. This protects the tooth from chewing forces and restores its appearance and function.
Mountain View Smiles
We review your symptoms, examine the tooth, and take appropriate images. Your doctor explains the diagnosis and whether the tooth has a good outlook after treatment. Tell us if you are anxious so we can discuss laughing gas, oral sedation, or conscious IV sedation when appropriate.
The area is fully numbed. Your doctor accesses the inside of the tooth, removes the affected tissue, and cleans and seals the internal spaces. You may feel pressure or vibration, but tell us if you feel sharp discomfort.
A temporary or initial seal may be used until the tooth receives its final filling or crown. Do not skip the restorative phase. A root-canal-treated tooth may be more vulnerable to fracture without the protection your doctor recommends.
Some tenderness is common as the area settles. Avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth until your restoration and bite are ready. Brush and floss gently, take medication only as directed, and call if pain or swelling worsens.
Mountain View Smiles
Helpful Answers
Common signs include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, a severe toothache when chewing, a darkened tooth, or a pimple like bump on the gum. Some infected teeth cause no symptoms and are found on X rays. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an exam at Mountain View Smiles.
Root canal treatment is performed with local anesthesia and feels similar to getting a filling for most patients. In fact, it relieves the pain caused by an infected or inflamed nerve. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is normal and usually managed with over the counter pain relievers.
Many root canals are completed in one visit lasting about 60 to 90 minutes, though some teeth need a second appointment. Back teeth with more canals tend to take longer than front teeth.
Back teeth usually need a crown after a root canal because they handle heavy chewing forces and can become brittle. A crown protects the tooth from cracking and restores full function. Your dentist at Mountain View Smiles will let you know what your tooth needs.
Mountain View Smiles · Scottsdale
Schedule a root canal evaluation with Dr. Nack at Mountain View Smiles in Scottsdale, especially if pain or sensitivity is getting worse.
