Delaware County, PA · Drexel Hill · Norwood · Collingdale
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal has a worse reputation than it deserves. It is the treatment that stops the pain rather than causing it: we remove the infected nerve tissue inside the tooth, disinfect the canals, seal them, and then protect the tooth with a crown so you keep your own tooth instead of losing it.
Signs this may be right for you
- Throbbing toothache, especially at night
- Pain that lingers after hot or cold drinks
- A swollen face, jaw or gum, or a bad taste from a gum boil
- A tooth that has darkened
- Pain when biting down on one particular tooth
What treatment involves
Same-day emergency assessment
If you are in pain, call. We reserve urgent slots daily and have an after-hours line for evenings and weekends.
Root canal treatment
Done under local anesthetic, usually in one or two visits, with rotary instruments and digital imaging to reach the full length of every canal.
Crowns after treatment
A treated back tooth becomes brittle, so we restore it with a crown to prevent a fracture later.
Retreatment
If an old root canal has flared up, we can often reopen, clean and reseal the tooth rather than extract it.
Common questions about root canal therapy
- Does a root canal hurt?
- The appointment itself should not. The tooth is fully numbed, and most patients say the relief starts the same day. Mild tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal.
- Can I just have the tooth pulled instead?
- You can, but a gap means either living with the space or paying for an implant or bridge later. Saving the tooth is usually the cheaper and healthier route.
- Is it covered by insurance?
- Root canal therapy is generally covered as a basic or major service by PPO plans, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage dental benefits. We verify before treatment.
Other treatments
Next step
Ask us about root canal therapy
Tell us which office suits you and when you are free. Our front desk will call you back to confirm and check your insurance before the visit.