Root Canals
Root canals preserve your natural teeth and smile.
At The Grove City Center for Dentistry, our goal is always to help you keep your natural teeth whenever possible. When a tooth is painful, sensitive, or showing signs of infection, Dr. Simone or Dr. Lowe will examine it to find out what’s going on. If a root canal is the best way to save the tooth, we’ll refer you to a trusted endodontist (root canal specialist) for treatment.
Inflammation or infection inside a tooth can have many causes, including deep decay, prolonged teeth grinding, multiple procedures on the same tooth, or chips and cracks. Sometimes an injury can damage the inside of a tooth even when there are no visible cracks. Signs that you may need a root canal include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing, swelling in the gums, or a tooth that has darkened in color.
The “pulp” is the soft tissue that fills the inside of your tooth and runs down through the center of the roots. These narrow channels are called root canals, which is how the procedure gets its name. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it can be extremely painful and may lead to an abscess if left untreated.
Your Root Canal Consultation at The Grove City Center for Dentistry
When you come in with tooth pain or a suspected infection, Dr. Simone or Dr. Lowe will:
- Talk with you about your symptoms and how long you’ve been experiencing them.
- Examine the tooth and take digital X-rays to see what’s happening below the surface.
- Explain what we find and walk you through your treatment options in clear, simple terms.
- If a root canal is recommended, refer you to a trusted local endodontist and help coordinate your care.
Once your root canal is complete, you’ll return to The Grove City Center for Dentistry so we can place a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth and keep it fully functional.
Contact Us
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have questions about root canals, contact us at [email protected] or (614) 875-3141. You can also use our online contact form below, or click to schedule your appointment online.
FAQs
Do you perform root canals in your office?
Root canal treatment is not performed at our office. Dr. Simone and Dr. Lowe will diagnose the problem, explain your options, and refer you to a trusted endodontist who specializes in root canal therapy. After treatment, we’ll take care of restoring your tooth here at our office.
Are root canals painful?
We hear this question a lot. Most of the pain people associate with root canals actually comes from the infection itself, not the treatment. Root canals are performed under local anesthesia, and most patients say the procedure feels similar to getting a filling. Treatment usually brings relief from the pain the infection was causing.
What happens if I wait to get my tooth checked?
An infected tooth will not heal on its own. Waiting can allow the infection to spread, lead to an abscess, or damage the tooth beyond repair. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity, call us so we can see you and find out what’s going on. Learn more about our same-day and urgent dental appointments.
How should I care for my tooth after a root canal?
Care for your treated tooth just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss daily, avoid chewing on hard foods that could crack the tooth, and keep up with your regular dental exams and cleanings at The Grove City Center for Dentistry. Click here to learn more about root canals.