A root canal treats infection or inflammation deep inside a tooth in the pulp and root canal system. The procedure removes the affected tissue, cleans and shapes the canals, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection. Far from the dreaded experience of its reputation, a modern root canal feels very similar to getting a filling and ends the pain rather than causing it.

Let's clear something up.

Root canals don't cause pain they relieve it. The discomfort patients associate with the procedure actually comes from the infection itself, which is present before treatment begins. Once anesthetic is administered, the procedure is comfortable and well tolerated. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward it is.

When It's Needed

Recommended when the pulp (inner nerve tissue) becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, repeated procedures, or trauma. Symptoms may include prolonged sensitivity, spontaneous pain, swelling, or darkening of the tooth though some cases have no symptoms at all.

Including Molars

Molar root canals involve more canals (typically 3–4) and greater complexity than front teeth. We treat all tooth types in house, including posterior molars, using rotary instrumentation and digital imaging for precision and efficiency.

After Treatment

A treated tooth needs a crown in most cases especially molars to protect it from fracture long term. We coordinate the restorative phase seamlessly so your tooth is fully protected and functional as quickly as possible.

01

Diagnosis

X-rays, pulp vitality testing, and clinical exam to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.  (Sometimes completed same day as treatment.)

~45 min

02

Canal Treatment

Tooth anesthetized, pulp tissue removed, canals cleaned, shaped, and disinfected. Temporary or permanent filling placed.

~60–120 min

03

Healing Check

Follow up X-ray at 1 week or as needed to confirm resolution of infection and healing progress.

04

Crown Placement

Permanent crown placed to protect and restore the tooth for long-term function. Coordinated with restorative care.

~60–90 min

1 - 2

Treatment  visit

60-120 MINS

Treatment appointment

A tooth that has had a root canal can, in some cases, develop new infection or fail to heal completely. This may happen years after the original treatment due to missed canals, a new crack, inadequate sealing, or recontamination. Rather than extracting the tooth, endodontic retreatment reopens it, removes the previous filling material, and thoroughly retreats the canal system, giving the tooth another opportunity to heal.

Why Retreatment?

Modern imaging and instrumentation can often identify and address issues that may have been missed in an earlier treatment accessory canals, calcified pathways, or incompletely cleaned areas. Retreatment is the most conservative option and avoids the cost and complexity of extraction and implant placement.

• Persistent or recurring pain in a treated tooth
• New infection visible on X-ray
• Tooth never fully settled after original treatment
• More complex than initial treatment allow extra time

What the Visit Looks Like

The existing crown or filling is removed to access the root canals. Previous filling material (gutta-percha) is carefully taken out, the canals are re-cleaned, reshaped, and disinfected, then resealed. A new restoration is placed afterward. The appointment is longer than an initial root canal due to this additional complexity.

• 1–2 visits depending on complexity
• Appointment duration: 90–150 minutes
• New crown or restoration required after
• Prognosis assessed case-by-case before proceeding

1 - 2

visit

90-150 MINS

Procedure duration

⚑ Not every tooth is a retreatment candidate. We'll evaluate the tooth thoroughly and give you an honest assessment of the prognosis before recommending any course of action.

An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that addresses infection or inflammation at the very tip (apex) of a tooth's root a location that cannot always be reached through the canal from above. It is typically considered when a root canal or retreatment has not fully resolved the problem. The procedure removes a small portion of the root tip and seals the end directly, giving the surrounding bone a clean environment to heal.

When It's Indicated

Persistent infection at the root tip after root canal or retreatment, a cyst or lesion at the apex that has not resolved, a calcified canal that prevents conventional access, or a fractured instrument at the root tip that cannot be retrieved from above.

The Procedure

A small incision is made in the gum near the root tip. A tiny window is made in the bone to access the apex. The infected tissue and the very end of the root (2–3mm) are removed, and the root tip is sealed with a biocompatible material. The gum is sutured closed.

Recovery

Mild swelling and tenderness for 2–3 days, managed with over-the-counter pain relief and ice. Most patients return to normal activity within 24–48 hours. Bone healing at the site is monitored by X-ray over the following months.

01

Consultation

Imaging & Assessment



CBCT or periapical X-ray confirms the lesion location and extent. Procedure explained in full before any commitment.

~45 - 60 Mins

02

Surgery

Apicoectomy Appointment



Performed under local anesthetic. Root tip removed, retrograde seal placed, gum sutured. Comfortable and well-tolerated.

~60 - 90 Mins

02

Recovery

First Few Days



Swelling peaks at 24–48 hours then subsides. Soft diet for a few days. Sutures removed at 1 week.

~1 Week

04

Monitoring

Bone Healing



Follow-up X-rays at 3, 6, and 12 months confirm bone is filling in and the infection has fully resolved.

6 - 12 Months

Keeping Your Tooth

An apicoectomy is often the last option before extraction — and when successful, it can preserve a tooth for many more years. The existing crown or restoration on the tooth is unaffected, which means no additional restorative work is typically needed after the procedure.

• Existing crown remains in place
• No additional restoration needed in most cases
• Bone heals naturally over 6–12 months
• High success rate when proper candidate

What to Expect on the Day

The area is thoroughly anesthetized — most patients feel pressure but no pain during the procedure. The entire appointment takes 60–90 minutes. You'll leave with a small sutured incision, a prescription if needed, and clear aftercare instructions. Swelling is normal and peaks within the first 24 hours.

• Local anesthetic — fully comfortable
• 1 surgical visit required
• Sutures removed at 7–10 days
• Return to work within 1–2 days for most

1

Surgical visit

60-90 MINS

Procedure duration

A tooth that has had root canal treatment, experienced trauma, or suffered internal bleeding can darken significantly over time, often turning grey, brown, or yellow from the inside out. External whitening has no effect on this type of discoloration. Internal bleaching is a specialized technique that places a whitening agent directly inside the tooth, lightening it from the source.

How it Works

The tooth must have already had a root canal (or the procedure is performed following one). The root canal is sealed off to protect it, and a concentrated bleaching agent is placed inside the pulp chamber. The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling and left for several days. The process is repeated typically 2–3 times until the desired shade is achieved. A permanent filling is then placed to seal the chamber.

What to Expect

Each application appointment is brief around 20–30 minutes and completely comfortable as the tooth has no living nerve. Results develop gradually between visits as the bleaching agent works. Most cases see significant lightening within 2–3 cycles. The final shade may differ from adjacent teeth and can be combined with external whitening for a fully matched result.

01

Assessment

X-ray to confirm the root canal is adequately sealed and tooth is suitable for internal bleaching.

~30 min

90 - 120

First Application

Bleaching agent placed inside the tooth, sealed with a temporary filling. Tooth left to lighten over 3–7 days.

~20–30 min

4 - 6

Repeat Cycles

Agent refreshed at each visit. Typically 2–3 cycles to reach desired shade.

~20–30 min

4 - 5

Final Seal

Permanent filling placed once target shade is achieved. Tooth protected from recontamination.

~30 min

3 - 4

Total visits

20-30 MINS

Procedure duration

"Internal bleaching can dramatically transform a discolored tooth, no veneers, no crowns, no grinding of healthy enamel. For the right candidate, the result is remarkable."