What is a root canal?
A root canal removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, then cleans and seals it. Root canal treatment in Salt Lake City relieves pain and lets you keep your natural tooth, instead of losing it.
It's usually needed when decay, a crack or an old filling lets bacteria reach the nerve.
Signs you might need one
- Throbbing tooth pain, especially when you chew
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum near one tooth
- A tooth that's darker than its neighbors
- A small bump on the gum that keeps coming back
Sound familiar? Don't wait. Infections don't go away on their own. If it hurts now, see our emergency dental care.
What to expect
We numb the area well first, so for most people it feels a lot like getting a filling. We explain each step as we go, and you can raise your hand for a break any time.
Afterward, most teeth need a crown to protect them. Worried about the whole thing? Tell us, and we'll walk you through every step.
Saving the tooth vs. pulling it
When we can save your natural tooth, we will. A missing tooth can let other teeth shift and change your bite. Sometimes a tooth extraction is the better choice, and we'll tell you honestly which makes sense and what each costs.