What Our Patients Are Saying
Graeme Henderson
"During my visit, Dr. Holt took the time to thoroughly explain each procedure and address any concerns I had, ensuring that I felt comfortable and informed every step of the way."
The Root Canal Procedure
At A Glance
01
Anaesthesia
We use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring the procedure is painless. While you may feel some pressure on your jaw and tooth as work is being done most patients say they felt little to no pain after their procedure
02
Accessing the Pulp
To access the infected pulp of your tooth your dentist will drill a small opening in the crown of your tooth to access the pulp chamber.
03
Removal of Infected Tissue
The inflamed or infected pulp is carefully removed from the tooth.
04
Cleaning and Disinfecting
The interior of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria and prevent reinfection
05
Filling and Sealing
After cleaning, the space is filled with a biocompatible material, often gutta-percha, and sealed to prevent future infections.
06
Cleaning and Disinfecting
In many cases, a crown or filling is placed on the tooth to restore its function and appearance leaving you wth the same bite and mouth feeling you had before your root canal.
Recovery After A Root Canal
Post-procedure, some patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness in the tooth. But don’t worry, in most cases, the pain can be managed by over-the-counter pain relievers. Ask our dentists or our staff for recommendations.
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Full recovery usually takes less than a week, and proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent complications. Your dentist will advise you on what to do to avoid any complications. If, after the procedure, you have any doubts or questions call our offices and our staff will be happy to help.
Root Canal FAQs
What is a root canal?
A root canal procedure removes the infected or damaged pulp of your tooth that is causing your pain and discomfort. Removing the infected pulp relieves your symptoms and can be completed in as little as 1 or 2 visits.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
The first step in any root canal procedure is diagnosis. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you do or do not need a root canal. Diagnosis commonly requires an xray to confirm. Some symptoms that may indicate you need a rot canal are;
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Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure
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Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
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Swelling and tenderness in the gums
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Darkening of the tooth
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The presence of pus or a pimple on the gums
What does a root canal cost?
The cost of a root canal will depend on your situation and the visits required to complete. Whilst millions of root canals are done yearly, each tooth and each patient is different and pricing will be adjusted for your circumstances. One of our friendly office staff will be able to help to give you an estimated cost for your procedure.
How long does it take to have a root canal?
The time it takes to complete a root canal depends on your situation but the procedure can be quick and painless enough to be over within one or two visits.
Does a root canal hurt?
There is a stigma around root canals thanks to takes of early dentistry and some bad childhood experiences with dentists. You’ll be happy to know however that a modern root canal can be as painless as a standard cavity removal thanks to local anesthesia and modern equipment.
Who will be doing it?
Your dentists for this procedure will be Dr John Holt Sr and Dr John Holt Junior. A family legacy of great dentistry and hundreds of patients served you are in very good hands for your root canal.