Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a treatment designed to save a tooth when decay, infection, or injury has reached the inner pulp. By cleaning out the affected tissue and sealing the tooth, root canal therapy allows many patients to keep their natural tooth rather than having it removed. At Dental Office of Dr. Salm, Kanner, and Grandeau, this treatment is provided as part of our general restorative care.

Signs a Root Canal May Be Needed

• Persistent Tooth Pain — Discomfort that lingers or worsens, especially when chewing.
• Sensitivity to Temperature — Pain that continues after hot or cold exposure has passed.
• Swelling or Tenderness — Inflammation in the gum near a specific tooth.
• Discoloration — A tooth that darkens, often signaling internal damage.

What the Procedure Involves

Treatment typically begins with numbing the area, followed by careful removal of the damaged pulp from inside the tooth. The empty space is cleaned, shaped, and sealed to prevent further infection. In many cases, a crown is placed afterward to protect and strengthen the tooth for everyday use.

Diagnosis and Restoration On Site

• Digital X-Rays — Low-radiation imaging helps identify the extent of infection and guide treatment planning.
• Same-Day CEREC Crowns — Once a root canal is complete, a custom crown can often be designed and placed in a single visit.

This content is for general information only and isn't dental or medical advice. Talk with your dentist or orthodontist about your own situation. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.