If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or sensitivity, you may have an infection in the inner part of your tooth. At Smiles for Miles Dentistry, Dr. Salm offers comfortable, efficient root canal therapy to eliminate infection, relieve pain, and preserve your natural tooth structure.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure used to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside your tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue at the center of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When it becomes infected due to deep decay or injury, a root canal is often the only way to save the tooth.
Without treatment, the infection can spread—leading to abscesses, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- Persistent toothache or pressure
- Pain when chewing or touching the tooth
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swollen or tender gums near the affected tooth
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait—schedule an evaluation with Dr. Salm.
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment
At Smiles for Miles Dentistry, we perform root canals in-office using a state-of-the-art rotary system. This technology allows for:
- Greater precision
- Shorter treatment times
- More comfortable, minimally invasive procedures
Here’s how the process works:
- Diagnosis – We begin with a digital X-ray to examine the tooth and confirm infection.
- Anesthesia – Local anesthesia is administered to ensure a completely pain-free experience.
- Isolation – A protective dental dam is placed over the tooth to keep it dry and bacteria-free.
- Access and Cleaning – An opening is made in the crown of the tooth, and the infected pulp is removed from the root canals.
- Disinfection and Shaping – The canals are cleaned, shaped, and flushed to eliminate all infection.
- Filling – The empty canals are filled with biocompatible gutta-percha and sealed with adhesive cement.
- Temporary Filling – A temporary restoration may be placed until a permanent filling or dental crown is applied.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
Thanks to modern techniques and local anesthesia, root canal treatment today is no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling. Most patients are pleasantly surprised at how easy the procedure is—and relieved to be free from tooth pain afterward.
Protect Your Smile with Expert Care
Root canal therapy can save your tooth, relieve your pain, and help you avoid more invasive procedures like extraction and replacement. Dr. Salm and our compassionate team are here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Call us today at (262) 548-3555 or schedule your appointment online.
Let us help you reclaim your comfort and your smile.