Saving your tooth.
Ending the pain
Root canals have a bad reputation — but the truth is they relieve pain, not cause it. At Bright Smile Dental, Dr. de la Paz performs the procedure comfortably to save your natural tooth and prevent extraction.
Overview
What is root canal therapy?
A root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp — the soft tissue inside your tooth — along with the nerves and blood vessels. The canal is then cleaned, reshaped, filled, and sealed.
The goal is to save your natural tooth and eliminate the source of pain. Once complete, the tooth is capped with a crown and functions just like any other tooth.
Tooth anatomy
Understanding what's inside your tooth
Enamel
The hard outer layer — the visible white surface of the tooth.
Dentin
A hard layer beneath the enamel that makes up most of the tooth structure.
Pulp
Soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. This is what gets infected — and removed during a root canal.
Symptoms
Signs you may need a root canal
Severe, persistent toothache — especially when biting or chewing
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the source is removed
Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
Swollen or tender gums around the affected tooth
A persistent pimple or bump on the gums (abscess)
No symptoms at all — detected on x-ray only
The process
How it works
Exam & x-rays
Digital x-rays reveal the extent of infection. Dr. de la Paz reviews findings with you and outlines a treatment plan.
Anesthesia & dental dam placement
The area is fully numbed with local anesthetic. Nitrous oxide is available if needed. A dental dam is placed over the tooth to keep it clean and isolated from saliva.
Pulp removal & canal cleaning
An opening is made in the crown of the tooth. Using fine instruments, Dr. de la Paz removes all infected pulp, nerves, and tissue from inside the tooth and root canals.
Filling & sealing
The canals are reshaped and filled with gutta-percha — a biocompatible rubber material — then sealed with adhesive cement to prevent recontamination. A temporary filling closes the access point.
Crown placement
Since the tooth is now without a nerve, a crown is needed to protect it long-term. Impressions are taken and sent to the lab. Once the crown is ready, the temporary filling is removed and the crown is cemented in place.
Pain & recovery
What to expect after the procedure
during
No pain — just pressure
Local anesthesia ensures you feel no pain. You may feel pressure and hear sounds. If pain occurs at any point, Dr. de la Paz will add more anesthetic.
after
Mild soreness for a few days
Some sensitivity and soreness is normal for several days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side until the crown is placed.
Recovery tip
Avoid temperature extremes
Skip very hot or cold foods and drinks for the first few days while sensitivity settles down.
Long-term
Tooth functions normally
Once the crown is placed, the tooth behaves like any natural tooth — no special care required beyond normal brushing and flossing
what our patients usually ask us
