Do I Need a Root Canal Atlanta, GA
Root canal treatment repairs and restores severely damaged teeth that are affecting the tooth's roots. The treatment aims to relieve pain and save as much natural tooth structure as possible. Going without treatment when a root canal is necessary can have dire effects on surrounding teeth, gums, and bone.
Root canal treatment is available at Downtown Atlanta Dentistry in Atlanta and the surrounding area. We can determine whether a root canal is necessary and help relieve your pain. Call us today at (404) 999-1407 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Resolving Pain With Root Canals
The dental issues that cause the need for root canals often make patients uncomfortable. At the bare minimum, patients will experience an excruciating toothache. These toothaches may be spontaneous, occurring even when the patient is not using the tooth. Eventually, this may evolve into a severe headache. Many patients often do not make the connection between the toothache and the headache.
A tooth that is still alive will also be sensitive to heat and cold, even after the patient has removed the stimulus. The tooth may be particularly susceptible to heat sensitivity. Patients with teeth that are already dead and have become abscessed will cause pain when the patient chews or otherwise puts pressure on the tooth. Any abscesses may produce swelling or bleeding, even to the point of requiring emergency care.
“The underlying causes of root canals can often make patients uncomfortable.”
When to See a Dentist About Root Canals
Many different factors may contribute to a patient needing a root canal. These conditions can manifest themselves as various symptoms. These include chips or cracks in teeth, pain while eating or touching the tooth, persistent pain, sensitivity to heat and cold, and swollen gums.
Chips or cracks in the tooth allow empty spaces for bacteria to settle in and cause infection and inflammation, while tooth sensitivity may be a sign of severe decay or nerve damage. In general, toothaches are a sign a patient should see a dentist.
Tooth sensitivity may linger longer when the blood vessels and nerves in the tooth have become infected or damaged. Swelling may also come and go. It is frequently associated with abscesses, which may be accompanied by unpleasant taste and odor.
Infected teeth may also feel looser than healthy teeth, due to nerve death softening the bone. Furthermore, teeth may turn grayish-black when the roots have been damaged and the internal tissue has been broken down.
“These conditions can manifest themselves as various symptoms.”
When Root Canals Are the Only Option
Root canal treatments are necessary when the pulp of the tooth has become inflamed or infected and needs removal. This may happen due to deep decay, cracks or chips in the tooth, faulty crowns, and repeated dental procedures. Patients should also be warned that facial trauma may still damage the pulp even when the tooth does not have visible chips or cracks. Leaving pulp inflammation or infection untreated may lead to pain or the formation of an abscess.
When left untreated, teeth with damaged pulp eventually die. This can negatively impact your overall oral health, as well as make it difficult to eat and chew. Root canals can help preserve the remaining tooth. The procedure may be followed by the placement of an implant or a crown.
“Root canal treatments are necessary when the pulp of the tooth has become inflamed or infected and needs to be removed.”
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Alternatives to Root Canals
Root canals can help address any issues caused by infection and decay. However, for such treatment to be successful, there must be enough of the natural tooth remaining to save. While it is best to save and maintain natural teeth whenever possible, some teeth may be beyond repair. Teeth with severe fractures or cracks extending below the gum line, for example, may be better suited for extraction.
If extraction is necessary, patients may want to consider getting dental implants. This tooth replacement option looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth and will help maintain the appearance of the smile. Dental implants consist of artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jaw to hold an artificial tooth (also known as a crown or pontic) in place. Our team can help determine which option is best for you.
“However, for such treatment to be successful, there must be enough of the natural tooth remaining to save.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What kind of pain can be addressed by a root canal treatment?
Q. Do I need a root canal procedure?
Q. When are root canal treatments necessary?
Q. Are there any alternatives to root canals?
Q. Do I need an emergency root canal?
People Also Ask
Q. How can a root canal help save my cracked tooth?
Q. Are root canals a safe and common procedure?
Q. What are the benefits of a root canal?
Q. How can I cope with dental anxiety or phobia?
Q. What are the services offered endodontists vs. general dentist?
Emergency Root Canals
An emergency root canal is often necessary when a patient is experiencing unbearable pain that may be affecting their oral functions. This may include biting, chewing, eating, and breathing normally without lingering pain or discomfort on one side. The mission of an emergency root canal treatment is to remove the damaged pulp completely and restore the tooth using an artificial tooth replacement.
Emergency root canals are typically performed in one visit with the second visit being the application of the tooth replacement. Tooth-replacement options include, but are not limited to, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Dental implants, however, require a few appointments on their own as it is a surgical procedure.
“An emergency root canal is often necessary when a patient is experiencing unbearable pain that may be affecting their oral functions.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do root canals hurt?
A. Root canals today are similar to a deep filling treatment and should not hurt. With local anesthesia, we keep patients comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure and a few hours after. We will also prescribe pain-relievers and antibiotics to help the site heal quickly.
Q. How often will I need a root canal?
A. Once a root has been removed and replaced, it will no longer need retreatment. However, if decay lingers in the site, an extraction may be necessary later down the line. Tooth replacements may need replacement every 5-10 years, depending on its type and maintenance by the patient.
Q. How long does it take to get a root canal?
A. This varies on a case-by-case basis. However, most patients can expect one or two 90-minute appointments.
Q. How much do root canals cost?
A. Root canal treatment differs for everyone depending on the location of the tooth, severity of the condition, and amount of work needed to be done. On average, a root canal treatment can cost anywhere from $750 to $1,500. We recommend communicating with your insurance provider to understand your plan and coverage.
Q. How does a root canal treatment work?
A. Using X-rays from the initial consultation, we can see how the roots are shaped and where exactly the infection lies to ensure we only remove what is necessary. During the treatment, we will remove the entire pulp chamber and any infected roots. Then, we will replace them with artificial roots, clean the inside, place back the pulp chamber (if unaffected), and seal the tooth.
Q. How can I prevent root canal treatment?
A. As root canals are a result of severely decayed or damaged teeth, it is important to exercise basic oral hygiene habits to prevent even a small cavity. Cavities are the earliest sign of decay and going without treatment allows this decay to develop and reach the tooth's roots. It is important to practice good oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, and avoid foods and beverages that cause cavities.
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Dental Terminology
Learn More Today
For many patients, a root canal procedure is just what they need to save their tooth. We at Downtown Atlanta Dentistry may be able to help. Call us today at (404) 999-1407 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
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