Root Canal Therapy
Root canals have a reputation that's considerably worse than the reality. Most patients are surprised by how manageable it is. The dental careprocedure itself is often less uncomfortable than the infection that made it necessary.
At Burns Dentistry, root canal therapy is used to treat an infected or damaged tooth, relieve pain, and help patients in Sun City and Sun City West keep their natural tooth whenever possible.
Saving the tooth. That's the goal.
What It Actually Is
When tooth decay, bacteria, trauma, or a deep crack reaches the inner part of a tooth, the pulp and nerve can become inflamed or infected. Left alone, the infection spreads and the tooth eventually can't be saved. A root canal treatment removes the infected or inflamed pulp and nerve tissue, disinfects and fills the canal, then seals the tooth. Most of the time, a crown is placed afterward to restore full strength and function.
It typically takes one to two visits. You leave with the tooth intact and the infection gone.
Do you need one?
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
You may need a root canal if the inside of the tooth is infected, inflamed, or damaged badly enough that a filling alone will not fix it. Common signs include lingering sensitivity to heat or cold, tooth pain, swelling near the gums, pain when chewing, or a tooth that has darkened after injury.
Some teeth need root canal therapy before symptoms become severe. We’ll take a look, explain what we see, and tell you whether the tooth can still be saved.
The reputation is worse than the procedure.
What Most People Get Wrong
The pain patients associate with a root canal is usually the infection itself, not the treatment. Modern anesthesia makes the procedure itself very manageable. Many patients describe it as similar to getting a filling for a cavity. The relief that follows is often immediate.
Worth knowing.
The Alternative Is Extraction
A root canal treatment saves the natural tooth. Extraction removes it. Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better long-term outcome for bite alignment, bone health, and the teeth around it. A root canal followed by a crown can last decades.
Comfort is always available.
Sedation Is an Option
If the idea of a root canal makes you anxious, that's completely understandable. Sedation is available and works well for this type of procedure. We'll talk through what would make the visit more comfortable before anything begins.
Experiences from people who found their way here.
I have to admit...
Root Canals
"Came in with a toothache, left with a solution. Burns explained everything and the relief was immediate in a single visit."
Karen H. Peoria, AZ
Good questions deserve clear answers.
Root Canal Therapy FAQs
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat the inside of a tooth when the dental pulp becomes infected, inflamed, or damaged. The infected tissue is removed, the cavity is cleaned, disinfected, filled, and the tooth is sealed so it can stay in place.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
You may need a root canal if you have severe tooth pain, lingering sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling near the gums, pain when chewing, or a tooth that has darkened after injury. Some teeth need root canal therapy before symptoms become severe.
Does a root canal hurt?
The infection is usually the painful part. During treatment, the dentist uses local anesthesia to keep the procedure manageable. If you feel anxious or need extra comfort, sedation options are available.
How long does a root canal take?
Root canal therapy typically takes one to two visits, depending on the tooth, the infection, and whether a crown or other restoration is needed afterward.
Do you need a crown after a root canal?
Most of the time, a dental crown is placed after a root canal treatment to restore strength and function, especially on back teeth that handle more chewing pressure. We’ll explain what your tooth needs before proceeding with any dental procedures.
What happens if I wait too long to treat an infected tooth?
If an infected tooth is left untreated, oral health can decline, the infection can spread, and the tooth may eventually be lost. Treating it early gives us the best chance of saving the natural tooth.
Is a root canal better than extraction?
When the tooth can be saved, a root canal is often preferred because it keeps your natural tooth in place. Extraction removes the tooth and may require a bridge, implant, or other replacement option to restore function.
No commitment. No pressure.
Getting Started Is Easy
If you're experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, or swelling around a tooth, it's worth having someone take a look. We'll tell you what's going on and what it takes to address it.
Ready to come in? We'll find a time that works for you.
This is Burns.
Dentistry is personal. The people caring for you matter.
At Burns, you will see friendly faces, hear clear explanations, and be treated like someone who belongs here.
Burns has the team, the technology, and the experience to handle your dental care from start to finish in one place. Whatever brought you here, the next step is simple. Come in, tell us what’s going on, and we’ll take it from there.
No Pressure. Just good care.