About Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures. Successful treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.
The reasons that a tooth would require a root canal include a tooth infection, abscess, or fracture; trauma; extensive decay; or permanent nerve damage.
The root canal procedure can usually be completed in a single visit. One of our dentists will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth, jawbone, and surrounding gums. The local anesthetic in combination with one of our dental sedation options is an effective way to manage your dental anxiety during the root canal and guarantee a pain-free dental experience.
During a root canal, the infected or damaged nerve tissue is accessed through the top of the tooth and removed using small files. Upon successful removal of the nerve, the canals where the nerve used to be are filled with rubber filling material. The tooth is then prepared for a crown to protect it from fracturing. Failure to crown a tooth with a root canal can lead to extensive damage, which can eventually require the tooth to be extracted.
We specialize in same-day dental appointments and can have your root canal taken care of in no time. Our dentists are ready to help you with your dental emergency so you can be pain-free again. If we cannot see you at your location of preference, one of our other locations can work you in the schedule for a walk-in dental appointment for your root canal. If your emergency is after hours, please call one of our emergency lines at 615-200-6460 (English) or 615-457-7178 (Español) and one of our team members will get in touch with you ASAP.
