General Dentistry
Root Canal
Relieve pain and save your natural tooth.
Root canal therapy is a routine, highly effective procedure designed to save your natural tooth and relieve pain. If you have tooth discomfort, sensitivity or swelling, understanding this treatment can help you make an informed decision.
Exceptional Dentistry in Gladstone, MO
What is root canal therapy?
A root canal removes inflamed or infected pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the root canal that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, and when it becomes damaged or infected it can cause significant pain and, left untreated, serious oral health problems. The infected pulp is removed to stop the pain, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed and restored to protect it from future infection. The result keeps your natural tooth, with its function and appearance intact, and avoids an extraction.
Signs you might need a root canal
Experiencing any of these symptoms? Don’t wait: early treatment can prevent further damage.
- Sharp pain while chewing or biting
- Sensitivity to pressure when biting down
- Lingering sensitivity to hot drinks or cold foods
- Swollen or tender gums near the tooth
- Tooth discoloration — yellow, brown or black
1–2
Visits for most root canals
What happens during treatment
A root canal is a routine, straightforward procedure. Local anesthesia makes it pain-free, the damaged tissue is carefully removed, and the empty canal is cleaned to eliminate bacteria. A biocompatible material then fills and seals the canal, and a dental crown is often placed to strengthen and protect the tooth. With proper care, a treated tooth can last a lifetime.
Common causes
Why the pulp becomes infected
-
Deep decay
Untreated cavities allow bacteria to reach the pulp.
-
Repeated dental work
Extensive treatment on the same tooth can weaken its structure.
-
Faulty crowns
Poorly fitted crowns can let bacteria into the root canal.
-
Cracks or chips
Damage to the tooth creates a pathway for infection.
Why Choose Marx Family Dental for Root Canal Care?
We understand that the idea of a root canal can feel overwhelming, so our team makes your comfort a priority at every step. You can expect advanced techniques for a pain-free experience, thorough explanations of your options, and aftercare support to help you keep your restored smile. Our goal is to make treatment as smooth, efficient and stress-free as possible.
New patient special
$98
A $308 value for your first visit
Visiting us for the first time? Our new patient offer includes:
- Comprehensive exam
- Panoramic X-rays
- Bitewing digital X-rays
- Intraoral photos
- Smile evaluation
- Full gum evaluation
- Oral cancer screening
- TMJ and bite evaluation
- Review of your treatment options
- A written treatment plan
Book your visit
Don’t let tooth pain go untreated
If you are experiencing tooth discomfort, sensitivity or swelling, it’s time to take action. Schedule a consultation, and we’ll find the cause of the pain and help you restore your oral health and protect your smile.
The short answer
Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes inflamed or infected pulp from inside a tooth, then cleans, disinfects and seals the tooth so it can be kept rather than extracted. With the area numbed by local anesthesia, the damaged tissue is removed, the empty canal is cleaned to eliminate bacteria, and a biocompatible material fills and seals it. It relieves the pain caused by infection and saves the natural tooth, is often completed in one or two visits, and is usually followed by a crown to protect the tooth.
Root Canal FAQ
- Is a root canal painful?
- A root canal is done under local anesthesia, so the procedure itself is designed to be comfortable. The treatment actually relieves the pain caused by the infected pulp rather than adding to it. Our team makes your comfort a priority at every step and explains what is happening as we go.
- How many visits does a root canal take?
- A root canal is often completed in one or two visits. The number depends on the tooth and on how much cleaning and disinfecting the canal needs before it is sealed. If a crown is recommended afterward, that is placed as a separate step to finish protecting the tooth.
- Will I need a crown afterward?
- Often, yes, because a dental crown is commonly placed to strengthen and protect the treated tooth. Once the pulp is removed and the canal is sealed, the tooth can be more prone to cracking under chewing pressure. A crown covers the visible part of the tooth and helps it keep working normally. Your dentist will tell you whether a crown is recommended for your tooth.
- Why not just remove the tooth?
- A root canal saves your natural tooth, which keeps its function and appearance and avoids an extraction. Treating the infection also stops it from spreading to the surrounding teeth. Keeping the tooth means you can chew and speak comfortably without needing to replace a missing tooth later.
- How long does a treated tooth last?
- With proper care, a treated tooth can last a lifetime. That care means brushing, flossing and keeping up with regular checkups so the tooth and the restoration over it stay healthy. Protecting the tooth with a crown when one is recommended also helps it hold up to everyday chewing.
Your dentist
Meet Dr. Emily Marx
A skilled family dentist, Dr. Marx is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable while achieving their best smile. Meet Dr. Marx
