Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics) – Gentle Care Smile, Vermont

Save your natural tooth, relieve pain, and restore comfort. At Gentle Care Smile in Vermont, root canal therapy is performed with modern techniques and a gentle approach to treat infection inside the tooth while preserving its structure and function.

Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics) – Gentle Care Smile, Vermont

Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics) – Gentle Care Smile, Vermont

Save your natural tooth, relieve pain, and restore comfort. At Gentle Care Smile in Vermont, root canal therapy is performed with modern techniques and a gentle approach to treat infection inside the tooth while preserving its structure and function.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected—due to deep decay, cracks, repeated dental work, or trauma—it can cause pain and lead to an abscess. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue, cleans and disinfects the canals, and seals the space to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then restored, often with a crown, to protect it long term.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Persistent toothache or throbbing pain

Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers

Pain when chewing or touching the tooth

Swelling or tenderness in the gums

Darkening/discolouration of the tooth

A pimple-like bump on the gum (possible abscess)

Only a clinical exam and imaging can confirm if a root canal is needed.

What to Expect During Treatment

What to Expect During Treatment

Diagnosis and imaging

We assess the tooth with tests and digital X-rays to confirm the source of pain and plan treatment.

Comfortable anaesthesia

The area is fully numbed to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.

Gentle access and cleaning

Infected or inflamed pulp is removed, canals are shaped and disinfected with precision.

Sealing the canals

The canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent bacteria from returning.

Restoration

A filling or crown is placed to protect and restore function. Back teeth typically require a crown for strength.

Most treatments are completed in one or two visits, depending on complexity and infection.

Aftercare and Recovery

Aftercare and Recovery

  • Mild tenderness is common for a few days; this can be managed with recommended pain relief.
  • Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until the final restoration is placed.
  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene and attend follow-up appointments for review and restoration.

  • A crown is often recommended to prevent cracks and ensure long-term success—especially for molars.

Root Canal Vs Extraction

Root Canal Vs Extraction

Whenever possible, saving the natural tooth helps maintain normal chewing, jaw alignment, and smile aesthetics. Extraction may be necessary in some cases, but it often requires additional treatments (bridge, implant, or denture) to restore function. Root canal therapy is a predictable, tooth-saving alternative in many situations.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Will it hurt?

With modern anaesthesia and technique, treatment is typically comfortable. Many patients feel significant relief after the infection is removed.

Usually, 60–90 minutes for a single-root tooth; multi-root back teeth may take longer or require a second visit.

Often yes—especially for back teeth. A crown reinforces the tooth and reduces the risk of fracture.

When followed by proper restoration and good oral care, root canal treatment has a high success rate. Regular check-ups help ensure long-term health.

Infection can spread, causing more pain, swelling, or bone loss, and may lead to tooth loss or emergency treatment.

Restore comfort and protect oral health with gentle, precise root canal therapy at Gentle Care Smile in Vermont. Book a consultation if experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity.