Dental infection is the most common reason for a root canal, or endodontic treatment. Infection develops when bacteria enter the soft pulp inside your tooth. This pulp contains your dental nerves, which travel down through your root canals. As bacteria multiply, the infection can spread and cause significant discomfort. Other symptoms of a dental infection can include gum abscesses, chronic bad breath, and internal discoloration. Because infection can progress free of noticeable signs, your doctor will also screen for infection during routine dental exams.

In other cases, Dr. Robles may recommend root canal therapy for a cracked tooth. If the crack is fairly large but does not extend all the way to your root, endodontic treatment may be the best solution.

Before your root canal treatment, Dr. Robles will numb your tooth and surrounding soft tissue. Some patients also choose to receive sedation to further ensure their comfort. Our team will work carefully so you should only feel a slight sensation of pressure during treatment.

With Dr. Robles’s skill and advanced techniques, our root canal therapy is designed to involve minimal discomfort. Right after your treatment, you may feel some slight sensitivity in your tooth and gums. You can typically control this minor irritation with non-prescription pain medications. Discomfort should subside on its own within a few days. Dr. Robles may advise against certain hard-to-chew foods, and you should also avoid directly biting down on the tooth undergoing treatment. However, once your final crown is in place, you should enjoy complete dental function and virtually no discomfort.