Root Canal in Portland, OR

The American Academy of Endodontics says that around 15 million root canals are performed every year in the United States. A root canal involves drilling deep into the roots of the tooth to remove decaying or unhealthy material and then restructuring those canals with a dental filling material. At City Dental, our team of dentists is highly familiar with root canal therapy and can help you save a tooth you would otherwise need to have extracted.

The Root Canal Process Explained in Simple Steps

Each root canal can be unique, but the general process usually involves a series of straightforward steps:

• Numbing – The area will be numbed with a localized, injected anesthetic
• Cleaning – The dentist accesses the pulp chamber to remove decay and bacteria from the root
• Shaping – Canals are shaped through the root of the tooth
• Filling – The created canals are cleaned and then filled with filling material
• Crowning – In the event the structure of the tooth has been affected, the tooth may then be fitted for a crown

As an adage, some patients may need to take antibiotics directly after treatment if there are risks of an infection. However, this step in treatment can also depend on the specifics of the situation.

Common Root Canal Questions

Does a root canal hurt?

Just as it is with other types of fillings, root canals are only performed after the dentist has aptly numbed the area. You may feel some pressure or vibrations during the procedure, but no pain.

When do you need a root canal?

Root canals are most often necessary when the interior of a tooth has decayed to a point that the roots have been affected. However, root canals may also be necessary if a tooth has been damaged by blunt force or an injury.

How long will the root canal last?

A well-done root canal can last indefinitely. In fact, some patients have a root canal and crown and retain the function of their tooth for a lifetime.

Get the Root Canal You Need from a Qualified Portland Dentist

Root canals can sound scary, but these procedures are exceptionally common and highly effective. If you have a tooth that you believe needs a root canal, reach out to us at City Dental in Portland, OR so we can get you in for an appointment.