Infected teeth can cause intense pain and may hinder you from performing your daily activities. If you are experiencing intense tooth pain, you may have developed an infected root canal pulp. A root canal treatment may be needed for a severely decayed or damaged tooth.

A root canal treatment is a general dentistry service that LIFESmiles Laser & Cosmetic Dentistry offers to the public. If you need a root canal in Boise, ID, we can provide you with prompt treatment to help you find relief from the comforts of our local dentist office.

The Purpose of Root Canal Therapy is to Save the Tooth and Prevent Damage

At LIFESmiles Laser & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Dennis Garpetti and Dr. Brock Hyder may recommend a root canal to avoid a tooth extraction and to alleviate your symptoms. Patients will require root canal treatment when an infection is located in the inner pulp. Here, the pulp, which is a mass of connective tissue, is severely infected, inflamed, and damaged.

This condition is very painful and occurs when a tooth is damaged, cracked, chipped, or decayed. This allows bacteria to enter the tooth, leading to an infection. If the infection is not removed, it can progress, and the tooth will need to be extracted. The infection can also enter the bloodstream and lead to severe illness. Root canal treatment is essential for saving the tooth, preserving your oral health, and maintaining your overall health.

Root Canal Misconceptions

It’s common to hear the words “root canal” and immediately imagine a painful experience. This procedure has developed an unfortunate reputation, largely due to its frequent portrayal in the media as a grueling ordeal. These exaggerated scenes of patient discomfort can leave a lasting impression, making us anticipate the worst.

In reality, a root canal is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling. To ensure your comfort, the area is completely numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure begins. During treatment, you might feel some pressure, but you should not feel any sharp pain.

It’s important to understand that the severe pain people often associate with a root canal is usually caused by the infection that makes the procedure necessary. When the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected and inflamed, it has no room to expand inside the tooth, leading to significant pressure and discomfort. A root canal actually relieves this pain by removing the source of the infection.

A lack of understanding about what the treatment involves can also heighten anxiety. Our practice is committed to providing a clear, step-by-step explanation of the process. While a root canal is a more detailed procedure than a filling, requiring us to carefully clean and disinfect the tooth’s interior, this does not equate to more pain. We will guide you through each stage so you know exactly what to expect.

What To Expect From a Root Canal in Boise, ID

The root canal procedure can typically be performed in just one visit to our Boise dental office. A root canal is performed under a local anesthetic to ensure our patients are comfortable throughout their treatment. In advanced cases, we may recommend sedation dentistry for patients with dental fear and anxiety.

A typical root canal procedure involves several steps:

• Taking X-rays for Diagnosis: Your dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to determine if you need root canal treatment.
• Anesthesia: To prepare you for the procedure, your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. This will ensure your comfort during treatment.
• Isolating the Tooth: To protect the tooth and keep it dry, your dentist will place a rubber dam around the tooth.
• Create an Opening: Your dentist will create an opening in the back of the infected tooth by drilling a small hole. This will gain them access to the pulp chamber and root canals.
• Remove the Infection: Using special tools, your dentist will remove the infected and damaged tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals.
• Clean the Tooth: Your dentist must clean out and disinfect the tooth to remove any debris and bacteria so the infection does not return.
• Filling: Once the tooth is clean, your dentist will fill the tooth with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material that seals the tooth. This will prevent bacteria from reentering the tooth. The access hole to the tooth is also sealed.
• Placement of Dental Crown: After a root canal, the tooth will be weak and more brittle. Your dentist will recommend a dental crown to strengthen and protect the tooth. We use CERAC technology to create custom-designed dental crowns. A dental crown can be color-matched to blend with your existing smile.
• Follow-up: After a week or two, a follow-up visit might be scheduled to ensure proper healing and evaluate the tooth’s condition.

Sedation Dentistry Can Put You At Ease During A Root Canal

We understand that dental fear and anxiety may hinder patients from visiting the dentist. We offer a full range of sedation dentistry options to help patients feel at ease during their treatment. Drs. Garpetti and Hyder will perform a full, comprehensive exam and review your medical history before recommending the best sedation options for your needs. We work diligently to ensure our patients are safe, comfortable, and informed during their visit to our Boise dentist office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Root canals are a simple, common dental treatment to treat internal tooth infections. Read more below.

Will my tooth feel different after a root canal?

At first, your tooth may feel slightly different or sensitive after a root canal, especially when biting down. This is normal and usually fades within a few days as your tooth heals. Once fully healed and crowned, your tooth should feel natural and comfortable again.

How soon can I eat after getting a root canal?

You can usually eat as soon as the numbness from the anesthesia wears off, typically within 2–4 hours. Initially, choose soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth. Once your dentist places a permanent filling or crown, you can resume normal eating.

Will my dental insurance cover the cost of a root canal and crown?

Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of root canals and crowns, typically 50% to 80%. Coverage varies based on your policy, deductible, and annual maximum. Your dentist’s office can help verify your benefits and provide an estimate beforehand.

How long do root canal-treated teeth usually last?

Root canal-treated teeth can last decades, often a lifetime, if properly cared for. Good oral hygiene, regular dental exams, and a quality crown significantly increase longevity. Occasionally, a tooth may need additional treatment if infection returns or the crown wears out.

Is it better to save a tooth with a root canal or extract it and get an implant?

Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is generally the best first choice because it preserves your natural bite and tooth structure. Implants are a great option if we can’t save the tooth, or long-term success is questionable. We can recommend the best approach based on your tooth condition.

Will I need someone to drive me home after a root canal?

Typically, you can drive yourself home after a root canal performed with local anesthesia. If you receive sedation for anxiety or comfort, you’ll need someone to drive you home. Your dentist will advise you beforehand based on the type of anesthesia or sedation used.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have a toothache or severe tooth pain, you may need root canal therapy. To schedule an appointment at our Boise, Idaho dentist office, call (208) 254-6365.