Few phrases in dentistry are as misunderstood as “root canal.” Modern root canal therapy is a gentle, predictable way to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and save a natural tooth that would otherwise be lost. At Pak Dental, we prioritize comfort, clear explanations, and durable restoration so your treated tooth looks and feels like a tooth again.

When You Might Need A Root Canal

• Persistent or spontaneous toothache
• Lingering sensitivity to hot/cold
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Swelling or pimple-like bump on the gums
• Deep decay or a crack reaching the pulp
• Trauma that injures the nerve

Root canals are recommended when the pulp (nerve/blood supply) inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. Left untreated, infection can spread to bone and cause abscesses.

What A Root Canal Actually Does

Inside each tooth is a small chamber and narrow canals. During treatment we remove infected pulp, disinfect the canals, then fill them with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) to seal out bacteria. Finally, we restore the tooth—often with a crown—to protect it from fracture and reinfection.

Step-By-Step: Your Visit

Diagnosis And Comfort

We confirm the source of pain using X-rays, temperature tests, and bite checks. Local anesthesia keeps the area completely numb. If you’re anxious, we’ll discuss comfort options.

Access And Cleaning

We make a small opening in the biting surface, locate the canals, and use precision instruments and irrigants to clean and shape them.

Disinfection And Filling

The canals are disinfected and dried, then filled and sealed. In some cases, medication is placed and the tooth is temporarily sealed with a follow-up visit for completion.

Restoration

Back teeth almost always need a crown after root canal therapy to prevent fracture. Front teeth may be reinforced with a bonded filling or crown depending on remaining structure.

Will It Hurt?

Most patients are surprised at how routine and comfortable modern root canals feel—often comparable to getting a filling. The procedure relieves the pain caused by the infection. Mild soreness afterward is normal and manageable with over-the-counter medication.

How Long Will A Treated Tooth Last?

With a quality seal and strong restoration, root-canal-treated teeth can last many years, often decades. Success depends on the initial infection’s extent, canal anatomy, and how well the tooth is protected with a crown when indicated.

Alternatives To A Root Canal

• Extraction: Removes the tooth but creates new problems (shifting teeth, bone loss).
• Implant or bridge: Replaces the missing tooth after extraction; typically more expensive and time-consuming than saving a restorable tooth.
  When a tooth is structurally sound, saving it with endodontic therapy is usually the most conservative option.

FAQs

Why do I still feel pressure when chewing after a root canal?
The ligament around the tooth can remain inflamed briefly. An adjustment or a few days of healing often resolves it.

Do antibiotics alone fix it?
No. Antibiotics can calm an acute flare but can’t remove infected tissue inside the tooth; treatment is necessary.

Can a root canal fail?
Rarely, bacteria may persist in complex anatomy. Retreatment or apical surgery can often save the tooth.

Costs And Coverage

Insurance typically covers part of endodontic therapy and the crown. We’ll provide a transparent estimate and sequence the steps so you know exactly what to expect.

Get Out Of Pain—Keep Your Natural Tooth

You don’t have to live with toothache or swelling. We’ll diagnose the problem, relieve your pain, and restore your tooth to health and function.

Pak Dental
4373 Interpark Dr, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
(248) 243-4876