Root Canal Treatment in Salt Lake City
Root canal treatment can allow us to save a tooth when the tissue inside it has become inflamed, infected, or damaged.
At Lakeside Dental, Dr. Keith Egan provides root canal treatment for many teeth. Every situation is different, and some teeth may benefit from treatment with an endodontist. Our goal is to evaluate the tooth and help you determine the right treatment, whether that is here with us, with a specialist, or another option.
What Is a Root Canal?
Inside a natural tooth is the dental pulp, which includes nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. When the pulp becomes irreversibly inflamed, infected, or dies, root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) may be needed. The affected tissue is removed, the canal system is cleaned, shaped, disinfected, filled, and sealed, and the tooth is then restored appropriately.
Why Might I Need a Root Canal?
- Deep tooth decay
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- A large or failing restoration
- Trauma
- Repeated dental treatment
- Infection inside or around the root
Symptoms
Possible signs include persistent toothache, pain with biting, lingering temperature sensitivity, swelling, a bump on the gum, drainage, darkening of a tooth, or a history of trauma. A tooth that needs root canal treatment does not always hurt, and tooth pain does not automatically mean a root canal is needed.
Can a Root Canal Save My Tooth?
Often, yes. When a tooth is restorable and has a reasonable prognosis, preserving it with root canal treatment can be an excellent option. When a tooth has extensive decay, a severe fracture, inadequate remaining tooth structure, significant bone loss, or another poor-prognosis condition, extraction and replacement may make more sense.
Do I Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
Sometimes, but not automatically. Root canal treatment addresses the inside of the tooth; the restoration afterward protects and rebuilds the remaining tooth structure. Many posterior teeth benefit from a crown, onlay, or other cuspal-coverage restoration, while some teeth can be restored more conservatively.
Root Canal or Extraction?
If a tooth is restorable and has a reasonable prognosis, root canal treatment may allow you to keep the natural tooth. If the tooth is severely compromised and unlikely to provide predictable long-term service, extraction may be more appropriate. We compare prognosis, treatment involved, alternatives, and long-term considerations rather than assuming one answer is right for every tooth.
When Might I Need an Endodontist?
An endodontist has advanced specialty training in diagnosis and root canal treatment. Some teeth with complex anatomy, previous root canal treatment, difficult diagnosis, fractures, or other factors may benefit from specialist care. If that is the better option, we'll explain why and help coordinate the referral.
Antibiotics and Dental Infection
Antibiotics can be useful in certain infections, particularly when there are signs of spread beyond the tooth, but they do not necessarily eliminate the source of infection inside a compromised tooth. Definitive treatment may require root canal therapy, drainage, or extraction depending on the situation.
How Long Does a Root-Canal-Treated Tooth Last?
There is no predetermined lifespan. A properly treated and appropriately restored tooth can function for many years and can last a lifetime. Prognosis depends on the original condition, canal anatomy, quality of treatment, remaining tooth structure, final restoration, cracks, gum and bone health, bite, habits, hygiene, and future changes.
Can I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Does Not Hurt?
Yes. The pulp can die and infection can develop without significant pain. Some problems are discovered during examinations or on X-rays.
Can a Root Canal Fail?
Early detection and treatment can sometimes prevent complications that are more likely to develop when treatment is delayed and can improve the long-term prognosis for the tooth. If a problem does occur after the initial root canal treatment, further treatment options may include root canal retreatment, endodontic surgery, restoration of the tooth, or extraction, depending on the cause and condition of the tooth.
