Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy saves a tooth whose nerve has been affected by decay or infection — removing the damaged tissue so you can keep your natural tooth rather than losing it.

Signs you may need one

  • A pimple-like abscess on the gums
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
  • Noticeable tooth pain
  • Swelling or tenderness near a tooth
  • Sometimes, no symptoms at all

What causes it

Root canal therapy is usually needed when decay reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, when infection or an abscess develops, or after an injury to the tooth.

The process

We numb the area and isolate the tooth, then carefully clean out the infected pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria from inside the tooth. Depending on your case, the tooth is sealed either that same day or temporarily until a follow-up visit, where we complete the permanent filling and seal, and place a crown to protect the tooth going forward.

Recovery

Some sensitivity is normal for a short time afterward and should fade as you heal. Good oral hygiene and regular checkups help ensure your treated tooth lasts for years to come.

Content reviewed by Jamisen Kohlman, DMD — KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Austin, TX.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Modern root canal treatment is done under local anesthesia and is designed to relieve pain from an infected tooth, not cause it. Most patients report the procedure itself feels similar to getting a filling.
Most root canals are completed in one to two visits, depending on the tooth and complexity.
Usually, yes for back teeth — molars do heavy chewing and a crown protects the treated tooth from fracture. Front teeth can sometimes be restored with just a filling. We’ll recommend the right restoration for your tooth.
The infection inside the tooth doesn’t resolve on its own — delaying treatment can lead to worsening pain, an abscess, spread of infection, and eventually losing a tooth that could have been saved. Earlier treatment is simpler and more comfortable.
Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is the conservative choice — it preserves your bite and jawbone and usually costs less over time than extracting and replacing the tooth. When a tooth truly can’t be saved, we’ll walk you through replacement options.
A root canal at KoLa Dentistry runs $880–$1,540* per tooth at our office fees, depending on the tooth — front teeth have a single canal and sit at the lower end, while molars have several and take longer. With insurance the picture is usually much better: many of the plans we work with cover root canals at 50–100%, so many insured patients pay $0–$540 out of pocket. The range covers the root canal itself — a final buildup and crown, when needed, are separate, and most plans also contribute toward those. We verify your benefits and give you a full written estimate covering everything before treatment begins.

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