Modern root canals are performed under thorough local anesthesia — most patients feel nothing more than pressure during the procedure. The root canal itself relieves the severe pain caused by the infection. Afterward, mild soreness for a few days is normal and responds well to over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen. We also offer sedation options for patients who want additional comfort.

The cost depends on the tooth — front teeth with fewer canals are less complex than molars with multiple canals. A crown afterward is usually recommended to protect the treated tooth. Most dental insurance covers a significant portion as a major restorative procedure. We provide a written estimate before any work begins — call us to discuss your specific situation and insurance coverage.

When a tooth can be saved, a root canal is almost always the better choice. It preserves your natural tooth, maintains your bite alignment, prevents bone loss, and costs significantly less in the long run than extracting and replacing the tooth with an implant. The American Association of Endodontists recommends saving natural teeth whenever possible. Dr. Nwokorie will explain which option makes sense for your specific case.

Common signs include persistent throbbing pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling in the face or gums, a pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth, pain when biting, or a tooth that's noticeably darker than its neighbors. Sometimes an infected tooth has no symptoms at all and is only caught on an x-ray — which is one reason routine dental exams matter.

No. Once the dental pulp is infected or the nerve has died, the infection will not resolve without treatment. The pain may temporarily decrease as the nerve dies, but the bacteria continue spreading — into the bone, potentially forming an abscess. Ignoring it leads to a more complex, more expensive problem. If you suspect an infection, the earlier you're seen, the simpler the fix.

Yes, many root canals can be completed in a single appointment — particularly on front teeth and premolars with straightforward canal anatomy. Research confirms that single-visit and multiple-visit root canals are equally effective. Molars with complex canal systems or teeth with active abscesses may benefit from a two-visit approach. Dr. Nwokorie will let you know which applies to your case.

You'll leave with a temporary or permanent filling sealing the tooth. Mild soreness is normal for a few days — ibuprofen or acetaminophen manages it well. Within a few weeks, a crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from fracturing. Once crowned, the tooth functions like any other tooth in your mouth and can last a lifetime with normal care.

In most cases, yes. Root canal therapy hollows out the inside of the tooth, making the remaining structure drier and more brittle. A crown binds the tooth together and protects it from cracking under chewing pressure. Skipping the crown is the most common reason a root-canaled tooth eventually fails. With our CEREC system, the crown can often be completed the same day.

The ER can prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to manage the symptoms, but they typically cannot perform a root canal or fix the underlying problem. For definitive treatment, you need a dentist. If you're in severe pain, call us first — we hold same-day emergency slots and can usually see you the same day to start resolving the actual cause of your pain.