When Is a Root Canal Needed?

• Severe toothache, especially with heat sensitivity
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed
• Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the tooth
• A persistent pimple (fistula) on the gums
• Deep decay that has reached the pulp
• Cracked tooth with pulp exposure
• Trauma to the tooth

The Root Canal Procedure

After thorough numbing with local anesthesia, a small opening is made in the crown of the tooth. The infected or inflamed pulp tissue is carefully removed from the pulp chamber and root canals. The canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected. They are then filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed. A temporary or permanent filling is placed. A crown is typically recommended after root canal treatment to protect the tooth.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

The procedure itself is not painful — it is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report that it feels similar to getting a filling. The tooth may be sore for a few days after treatment, which is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. The pain from the infection before treatment is typically far worse than any discomfort from the procedure.

Microscope-Assisted Endodontics

Dr. Isamary Herrera, DMD has completed advanced training in microscope-assisted endodontics. Using a dental operating microscope, she can visualize the root canal system with exceptional clarity — improving accuracy, reducing treatment time, and achieving better outcomes, especially in complex cases with curved or calcified canals.