What Can I Expect From the Root Canal Procedure?

Although only a dentist can determine whether a root canal is necessary, these common symptoms may signal that one is necessary.

• A toothache that doesn’t respond to home remedies
• Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and foods
• Increased pain when chewing or biting
• Swollen gums
• The tooth may appear discolored or stained
• A pimple-like bump near the affected tooth

Without treatment, a root canal infection can lead to severe complications such as facial or neck swelling, tooth loss, and the spread of the infection to other body parts. Often, tooth extraction is the only alternative to a root canal. While the extracted tooth can be replaced with a bridge, dental implant, or partial denture, these options are costly and time-consuming than saving the natural tooth with root canal therapy.

Our office has saved hundreds of smiles with root canals. Over the years, we have refined the process to be as seamless as possible. While each patient is unique, here’s what you can expect from the root canal procedure. 

•       Examination: The dentist uses dental X-rays to examine the viability of your tooth for a root canal. Sometimes, the tooth can be irreparably damaged, making extraction the most viable procedure. 
•       Tooth preparation: The dentist will numb your gums with local anesthesia. This ensures you don’t feel pain during treatment. Then, the doctor isolates your tooth with a rubber dam and makes a tiny hole to access the pulp chamber. 
•       Cleaning: The dentist removes the infected tissues through the access hole and cleans the area thoroughly to remove all traces of harmful bacteria. 
•       Sealing the tooth: Once all the gunk is removed, the root canal dentist fills the canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This latex-like material stabilizes the tooth and seals it from future infections. 
•       Tooth restoration: While the infection is treated, the tooth’s structure may be weakened. Dr. Awadalla will place a custom dental crown, reinforcing the tooth and protecting it from future damage. The result? A tooth that looks and functions just like it did before the infection—strong, natural, and fully restored.

After your treatment, we’ll provide clear aftercare instructions to support fast healing and minimize the risk of post-operative infection. These guidelines will cover everything from dietary recommendations and pain relief to proper oral hygiene and the importance of follow-up visits. Most patients recover comfortably within just a few days.