Persistent throbbing or sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers often means the nerve inside the tooth is infected or inflamed. Smile Center Dentistry uses digital X-rays and, when needed, an apex locator to treat the canal precisely.
We use imaging to confirm the diagnosis before recommending treatment, not just responding to reported pain. We'd rather take an extra ten minutes with the apex locator than leave canal length to a guess.
We confirm nerve involvement with digital X-rays before recommending a root canal over a filling. You'll see your own X-ray and understand the reasoning before we proceed.
Modern anesthesia techniques keep the procedure comfortable — most patients report less discomfort than expected. If you're still feeling anything, we pause and address it before continuing.
Severe pain gets triaged quickly — we don't make patients wait weeks for a diagnosed infection. Same-week availability applies whether you're a longtime patient or calling us for the first time.
We discuss whether a crown is needed after treatment at your very first visit, not as a surprise afterward. Skipping a needed crown is one of the most common reasons a treated tooth fails later.
Here's what's typically involved once imaging confirms treatment is needed.
We rule out a simple filling before recommending the more involved root canal procedure. This step alone often explains pain patients couldn't previously identify.
Infected pulp tissue is removed and the canal is cleaned and shaped to prepare it for filling. This is the core of the procedure and where precision matters most.
The cleaned canal is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent reinfection. We confirm the seal with a follow-up X-ray before moving to restoration.
Not every root canal needs this step — we explain when your specific tooth requires it. This step is planned before crown placement, not decided last minute.
We schedule crown placement as part of your treatment plan from the start, not as a separate afterthought. Material options are discussed based on which tooth and how much force it takes when chewing.
Retreatment involves reopening the tooth, cleaning it again, and resealing — more involved than the original procedure. We explain honestly whether your specific tooth is still a good save candidate.
Call +1-866-227-2801 and describe the pain — lingering sensitivity, swelling, or throbbing all point us toward the right exam.
You'll see your own X-ray and understand exactly what's happening before we recommend anything.
The canal is cleaned, shaped, and filled under local anesthesia, typically in one to two visits.
A crown or filling restores the tooth's strength, with a follow-up to confirm healing.
"They showed me the X-ray and explained exactly why a filling wouldn't be enough. Made the decision easy."
"Got in the same week I called with severe pain. Anesthesia worked well and I felt nothing during the procedure."
"Two visits total — cleaning and shaping first, crown fitted a couple weeks later. Tooth feels completely normal now."
"Pain was gone within a day of treatment. Wish I hadn't waited so long to call."
"Pulp testing before treatment confirmed exactly what was going on. No guessing involved."
We confirm with digital X-rays and sensitivity testing before recommending a root canal over a simpler fix. A filling addresses surface decay; a root canal addresses infection reaching the nerve — imaging tells us which applies.
We check numbness thoroughly before starting, so pain during the procedure is rare. Post-procedure soreness is normal for a few days and manageable with standard pain relief.
Most cases are completed in one to two visits, depending on the tooth and infection severity. We schedule the crown visit separately once the canal treatment itself is complete.
Front teeth sometimes don't need a crown; back teeth that handle more chewing force usually do. We plan crown placement into your treatment timeline from day one.
The infection can spread, cause worsening pain and swelling, and eventually require extraction instead of a save. We'd rather treat it now while the tooth is still savable.
Cost depends on which tooth and whether a crown is needed — we give a specific quote after diagnosis, not a vague range. Molars with multiple canals typically cost more than single-canal front teeth.
Our team serves Mapleton and the surrounding zip codes with digital imaging on-site at every location. We coordinate with local oral surgeons for retreatment cases that need it, so you're not searching for a referral yourself.
We'll confirm what's actually happening before recommending treatment.
Call +1-866-227-2801