Patient Reviews
Friendly, knowledgeable, and caring staff. They made me feel at ease as a new patient. I'm glad I found a very good dentist office.
Great dental services! Everyone in the practice is friendly and professional and attentive to the patients needs and concerns.
Cares about patients. The staff is very helpful and accommodating. Scheduling was easy. The practice is outstanding and deserves 10 stars!
Made me comfortable knowing I had a lot of anxiety Everything was explained really thoroughly which made me feel even more at ease
Dentist and dental tech are very kind and professional. Work is done gently . Great experience.
Staff is wonderful, Alex does a great job cleaning my teeth 😁 I'm not one that enjoys the dentist but Riverdale makes me feel at ease. Thank you!!
First visit. Everyone was so nice and made me comfortable knowing I had a lot of anxiety Everything was explained really thoroughly which made me feel even more at ease.
Excellent customer service. Extremely kind, courteous and caring about their patients. They do an awesome job communicating the treatment and patient out of pocket cost for a procedure.
Great dentist. Thorough, explained everything, reasonable pricing, warm and friendly staff. So happy I found you.
Non Surgical Root Canal
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment used to save a natural tooth when the tooth’s pulp becomes infected, inflamed, or damaged. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When bacteria reach the pulp because of deep decay, a deep cavity, cracks, trauma, or other damage, a tooth infection can develop and cause significant pain.
At Riverdale Dental, root canal treatment removes the infected or diseased pulp, carefully cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals the root canals to prevent further infection. Although many patients associate a root canal with pain, modern root canal treatment is a straightforward procedure performed using a local anesthetic to keep patients comfortable.
If an infected tooth is left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding area and potentially lead to an abscess or damage to other teeth and tissues. Root canal therapy provides an opportunity to preserve the natural tooth rather than having the tooth extracted.
What are the Benefits of Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal treatment offers important benefits when a tooth has significant pulp damage or infection. Treating the infected tooth can relieve pain while protecting the natural tooth and surrounding structures.
Benefits of root canal therapy include:
- Relieve pain caused by an infected or diseased pulp
- Treat infection inside the tooth
- Preserve the natural tooth
- Prevent further infection and future damage
- Avoid tooth extraction when the tooth can be restored
- Protect surrounding teeth and soft tissue
- Restore normal chewing and biting function
- Remove bacteria from the infected pulp
- Support long-term oral health
- Provide a foundation for a permanent crown or filling
Saving the natural tooth can also help maintain proper spacing and function. Without treatment, an infected tooth may eventually require extraction, leaving an empty space that can affect the surrounding teeth.
What is Root Canal Therapy Like?
The root canal procedure begins with a dental examination and X-rays to determine the extent of infection and evaluate the tooth’s roots. Your dentist or an endodontist will review your symptoms and determine whether root canal treatment is the appropriate option.
During the procedure, a local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area. A dental dam, often made from rubber-like material, is placed around the treated tooth to keep it clean and isolated from saliva. The dentist then creates an opening into the tooth and accesses the pulp chamber.
The infected pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth and root canals are thoroughly cleaned to eliminate bacteria and diseased tissue. The cleaned canals are then filled with a material called gutta-percha, which seals the space and helps prevent additional bacteria from entering.
A temporary filling may initially be placed over the treated tooth. After the root canal has healed or the treatment is ready for final restoration, a permanent filling or permanent crown may be placed. A crown is often recommended for teeth that have experienced significant structural damage because it helps protect the restored tooth from future damage.
Recovery From Root Canal Therapy
Recovery from root canal therapy is typically manageable, and most patients can return to normal activities relatively quickly. Mild discomfort or sensitivity around the treated tooth may occur for a few days following treatment. Your dentist may recommend avoiding biting directly on the treated tooth until the permanent restoration has been placed.
Soft foods such as mashed potatoes may be easier to eat during the initial recovery period. Patients should also avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage a temporary filling or weakened tooth. Following proper care instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene are important for protecting the treated tooth. A follow-up appointment may be necessary to place a permanent filling or crown and confirm that the tooth is healing properly.
Candidates for Root Canal Therapy
Patients with an infected tooth or significant pulp damage may need root canal treatment. A dental examination is necessary to determine whether the tooth can be successfully treated and restored.
You may need a root canal if you experience:
- Persistent or severe tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Deep decay or a deep cavity
- A cracked or damaged tooth
- Swelling around a tooth
- An abscess or signs of infection
- An infected or diseased pulp
- Significant pulp damage caused by trauma
- A tooth that has become severely discolored
Not every painful tooth requires a root canal. Your dentist will evaluate the tooth and discuss appropriate treatment options based on the source and severity of the problem.
Why Choose Riverdale Dental for Root Canal Therapy?
At Riverdale Dental, patients receive comprehensive dental care focused on relieving pain, treating infection, and preserving natural teeth whenever possible. Our team uses modern diagnostic technology, including dental X-rays, to accurately evaluate the condition of the tooth and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Root canal therapy is performed with patient comfort in mind, and the team provides clear instructions throughout the procedure and recovery process. Whether treatment can be completed by a general dentist or requires referral to an endodontist, Riverdale Dental will help guide you toward the appropriate care.
Ready to Smile with Confidence Again?
If you have persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or other symptoms of a tooth infection, do not wait for the problem to worsen. An infected tooth that is left untreated can lead to an abscess, further infection, and potential tooth loss. Schedule an appointment with Riverdale Dental today to determine whether root canal therapy can relieve your pain, treat the infection, and help preserve your natural tooth.