Root canal treatment (also called endodontic treatment) is needed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected, often due to decay or an injury to the tooth. This infection may spread through the root canal system and could eventually lead to an abscess, causing a great deal of discomfort. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Meet Your Dentist
Dr Mariana Alves Arriaga
DMD (university of Lisbon, 2010)
MMSc Endodontics (Harvard University, 2015)
GDC No. 286797
After training as an endodontist for three years at Harvard University Dr. Alves has dedicated her practice to endodontics and endodontic surgery. with over 12 years experience, she is committed to transforming patient perceptions of root canal treatment through high-quality, pain-free care. Mariana provides cutting-edge treatments at Southfields Dental Center with the use of the dental microscope to tackle root canal treatments.
“I’m aware root canals bring significant anxiety to patients. My mission is to create a relaxed and comfortable environment while delivering the highest quality care available. We will take good care of you!”
Pain-Free, Precise Dentistry
Comfort and precision go hand in hand at our practice. With the help of an advanced dental microscope, we take root canal treatments and delicate restorative work to the next level, with less guesswork and more accuracy.
Magnification allows us to detect hidden canals, preserve more of your natural tooth, and achieve beautifully seamless results — all while keeping treatment as gentle and minimally invasive as possible.
- Preservation of remaining healthy tooth structure.
- Prevention of infection spreading any further.
- Restoration of tooth to its natural look and feel.
- First, local anaesthetic will be administered to ensure no discomfort is felt during treatment.
- The tooth will be prepared, allowing access to the root canal system.
- The root canal system will be thoroughly cleaned out to remove all infection and pulp.
- The root canal system is then filled and sealed temporarily with a crown.
- The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure and might involve multiple visit for complex cases.
Frequently asked questions
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure used to save an infected or decayed tooth. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s root canal, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and then sealing it to prevent further infection.
Why is root canal therapy necessary?
Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, becomes infected or damaged. This can happen due to untreated cavities, cracked or chipped teeth, or trauma to the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause severe pain, abscesses, and even tooth loss.
How can I tell if I need a root canal?
Some common signs that you may need a root canal include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling and tenderness around the tooth, darkening of the tooth, and a recurring pimple on the gums. However, only a dentist can determine if a root canal is necessary after conducting a thorough examination.
Does root canal therapy hurt?
Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is not as painful as people think. With modern advancements in dental technology and anesthesia, the procedure is painless. Most patients report feeling minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Your dentist will also prescribe medication to alleviate any post-operative pain or discomfort.
Dr. Mariana encourages you to bring headphones to listen to some music or a podcast you enjoy during the appointment.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
The length of a root canal procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case. Each Root canal visit takes around 90-120 minutes. On occasion a second visit may be needed for complex cases but this is usually a shorter visit.
Can a root canal fail?
Root canal treatment is a highly successful procedure with success rates ranging from 80-95%. Dr. Alves can give you an estimate for the prognosis of success for your particular case.
As with all medical and dental procedures, success cannot be guaranteed. The proposed treatment may not be curative and failure may result despite treatment. The tooth may need further treatment including re-treatment, surgical endodontic treatment or tooth extraction.
How long does a root canal last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. However, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly, to ensure the longevity of the restored tooth.
Are there any alternatives to root canal therapy?
The only alternative to root canal therapy is tooth extraction. However, extracting a tooth should be considered a last resort, as it can lead to other problems such as shifting of teeth, difficulty chewing, and loss of bone in the jaw. It is generally recommended to save the natural tooth whenever possible.
Can I drive home after a root canal?
Generally, you should be able to drive home after a root canal procedure. It is a procedure done under local anaesthesia and therefore does not impair your ability to drive.
Can I eat normally after a root canal?
After each appointment your mouth may feel numb for several hours. Please wait until the numbness in your mouth wears off before eating so you won’t bite your cheek or tongue. Don’t chew or bite down on the treated tooth until it is fully restored by a dentist to avoid damaging it.
Is root canal therapy safe?
Yes, root canal therapy is a safe and common dental procedure. Dentists are trained and experienced in performing root canals, ensuring patient safety and comfort. By addressing the underlying infection and preserving the natural tooth, root canal therapy can help restore oral health and function.
In conclusion, root canal therapy is a safe and effective treatment for saving infected or damaged teeth. With the use of modern dental techniques, the procedure has become relatively painless. If you experience tooth pain or other symptoms, it is essential to consult with a dentist, who can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment option for your specific dental needs.