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Published on Feb 19, 2026 | 5 minute read

If a single appointment could turn sharp, lingering pain into calm comfort, would you take it? Root canal therapy is designed to do exactly that. When the nerve inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, root canal therapy removes the source of pain, cleans the space, and seals it so you can keep your natural tooth. With local anesthesia and modern techniques, the visit is easier than most people expect—and the relief is real.
Deep decay, a crack, repeated dental work, or trauma can inflame the pulp (the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth). When this tissue can’t heal on its own, pressure builds and pain follows. Root canal therapy removes the inflamed tissue, disinfects the canal, and closes it to prevent reinfection. Keeping your natural tooth preserves your bite, protects neighboring teeth from shifting, and avoids more invasive replacements.
If you’ve noticed any of these, a prompt evaluation determines whether root canal therapy or another treatment will give you predictable relief.
Your tooth and surrounding area are fully anesthetized. Most patients say a root canal therapy visit feels similar to getting a longer filling.
A small opening is made to access the canals. The inflamed tissue is removed and the spaces are shaped and disinfected. The tooth is dried and filled with a biocompatible material that seals the canals.
A temporary filling closes the opening. In most cases, a dental crown is placed at a following visit to protect the tooth from fracture and restore full function.
Mild soreness is normal for a day or two and responds to over-the-counter pain relief as directed. You’ll avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth until the final crown is placed. Most people go back to work or normal activities right away.
Root canal therapy saves your natural tooth so you can chew comfortably and maintain normal spacing. An extraction removes the pain source but leaves a gap that usually needs an implant, bridge, or partial denture. In many cases, saving the tooth with root canal therapy is more conservative, faster overall, and cost-effective when the tooth is restorable.
Will it hurt?
You’re completely numb during root canal therapy. Pressure is normal; sharp pain is not. Tell your provider if you need more anesthetic.
How long does it take?
Many single-root teeth are completed in about an hour. Multi-rooted molars take longer. Complex cases may be done over two visits.
Do I always need a crown after?
Back teeth almost always benefit from a crown due to heavy chewing forces. Some front teeth can be restored with a filling, depending on strength.
What if the tooth feels different after?
Slight bite changes are common and easily adjusted. Call if anything feels high or sensitive.
When a tooth’s nerve is inflamed, root canal therapy turns a painful situation into a predictable win: pain stops, the infection is cleared, and your natural tooth stays in place. That’s a powerful combination for comfort today and oral health tomorrow.
Need relief now? Call The Dental Boutique at 727-250-0052 or visit 3700 East Bay Dr., Largo, FL 33771 to Book an Appointment and find out if root canal therapy can save your tooth.