105 E. 10th Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854
208-773-8388 
Have severe tooth pain or sensitivity? A root canal may be recommended when the nerve or pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or damaged. 7 Day Dental Smiles provides root canal treatment in Post Falls to help save natural teeth when possible.
This endodontic treatment removes damaged tissue from inside the tooth and may help you avoid a tooth extraction, allowing you to continue using your natural tooth. Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles at 208-773-8388 to learn more about root canal therapy in Post Falls, Idaho, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Rheanna Burnham, Dr. Scott Lake, Dr. Wade Dinse, Dr. Stephen Gloudeman or Dr. Nora Svihl.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Commonly called a root canal, root canal treatment is a type of endodontic therapy used when the dental pulp and nerves inside a tooth become infected, inflamed or damaged. This may occur when decay, a crack or an injury reaches beyond the tooth’s outer enamel and dentin.
Without treatment, the infection may worsen, cause increasing discomfort or spread into the surrounding tissues. Root canal therapy is designed to remove the affected tissue, disinfect the inside of the tooth and preserve the natural tooth whenever possible.
When Is a Root Canal Needed?
Our dentists may recommend root canal therapy if you experience symptoms such as:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Lingering sensitivity to heat or cold
- Swelling or tenderness around a tooth
- A recurring pimple or sore on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
- A cracked, broken or deeply decayed tooth
- Facial or jaw swelling related to infection
Some infected teeth do not cause noticeable symptoms. Routine dental exams and X-rays may help identify damage before it becomes more serious.
Tooth Pain and Root Canal Treatment
Severe tooth pain does not always mean you need a root canal, but persistent pain, lingering sensitivity or discomfort when chewing may indicate that the tissue inside a tooth is inflamed or infected.
If you are experiencing tooth pain in Post Falls, our dentists can evaluate the tooth, review X-rays when needed and determine whether root canal treatment or another type of care is appropriate.
Because several dental problems can cause similar symptoms, an examination is the best way to identify the source of the pain.
What Causes an Infected Tooth?
The pulp inside a tooth contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It may become damaged or infected because of:
- Deep tooth decay
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- Repeated dental treatment on the same tooth
- A loose or damaged restoration
- Trauma or injury to the mouth
- An untreated dental infection
Prompt treatment may help preserve the tooth and reduce the risk of the infection spreading.
Emergency Root Canal Treatment
Severe tooth pain, swelling or signs of infection may require prompt dental evaluation. In some cases, root canal treatment may be recommended as part of emergency dental care when the pulp inside a tooth has become infected or badly inflamed.
If you have severe tooth pain or believe you may have an infected tooth, contact 7 Day Dental Smiles as soon as possible. Our dentists can evaluate the problem and determine whether root canal therapy, another restorative treatment or emergency dentistry is appropriate.
If you also have significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing or difficulty swallowing, seek immediate medical attention.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
Before treatment, our dentists will examine the tooth and may take digital X-rays to evaluate the roots and surrounding bone. The area will then be numbed to help keep you comfortable.
During the procedure, our dentists will:
- Create a small opening in the tooth
- Remove infected or damaged pulp tissue
- Clean and shape the root canals
- Disinfect the inside of the tooth
- Fill and seal the canals with a biocompatible material
- Place a temporary or permanent restoration
Many root canals can be completed in one or two visits, although treatment time depends on the tooth and the extent of the infection.
Do I Need an Endodontist?
Many root canal procedures can be treated by a general dentist, while more complex cases may require referral to an endodontist, a dentist with advanced training focused on treating the inside of teeth.
Our dentists will evaluate the tooth and determine whether treatment can be completed at 7 Day Dental Smiles or whether referral to an endodontist is appropriate.
Referral may be recommended for certain complex root canal cases, retreatment of a previously treated tooth or other situations that require specialized equipment or expertise.
Restoring Your Tooth After a Root Canal
A tooth may become weaker after root canal therapy because of decay, damage or the removal of internal tissue. In many cases, a dental crown is recommended to restore the tooth’s shape, strength and function.
Our dentists will explain whether you need a crown or another restorative dentistry treatment and when it should be placed. Completing the final restoration is an important part of protecting the treated tooth.
Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, but modern techniques, instruments and anesthesia can make the procedure more comfortable than many patients expect. The treatment is intended to relieve the pain caused by inflammation or infection inside the tooth.
You may experience mild tenderness or sensitivity after treatment. This commonly improves as the surrounding tissues heal. Our team will provide aftercare instructions and explain when to contact us if your symptoms do not improve.
Patients who feel anxious about dental care may also ask whether sedation dentistry is appropriate for their visit.
Benefits of Saving Your Natural Tooth
When root canal therapy is successful, preserving your natural tooth may offer several benefits:
- Maintaining your natural bite
- Supporting comfortable chewing
- Preventing nearby teeth from shifting
- Avoiding or delaying tooth-replacement treatment
- Protecting the appearance of your smile
Although root canal therapy cannot save every tooth, our dentists will evaluate your condition and explain the most appropriate treatment options.
Root Canal Therapy Versus Tooth Extraction
Root canal therapy is intended to preserve an infected or damaged tooth. A tooth extraction removes the tooth entirely and may later require replacement with a dental implant, dental bridge or another restoration.
Extraction may be necessary when a tooth is too damaged to repair, has inadequate bone support or cannot be predictably restored. Our dentists will review your X-rays, symptoms and treatment options before making a recommendation.
How to Care for Your Tooth After Treatment
Following your aftercare instructions can help support healing and protect the treated tooth. You may be advised to:
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is permanently restored
- Brush and floss carefully around the area
- Take medications only as directed
- Attend any recommended follow-up visits
- Contact our office if pain, swelling or other symptoms worsen
Continue attending regular dental exams so our team can monitor the health of the treated tooth and the surrounding tissues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
Do you provide root canal treatment in Post Falls?
Yes. 7 Day Dental Smiles provides root canal treatment in Post Falls for patients with infected, inflamed or damaged dental pulp when treatment is appropriate. Our dentists will evaluate the tooth and determine whether it can be treated in our office or whether referral is recommended.
Can I get an emergency root canal in Post Falls?
Emergency root canal treatment may be recommended when severe tooth pain or infection is caused by damage to the pulp inside a tooth. Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles promptly if you have severe pain, swelling or other signs of infection so our team can evaluate the problem and determine the appropriate treatment.
Can tooth pain mean I need a root canal?
Persistent tooth pain, lingering sensitivity, pain when chewing or swelling may indicate a problem inside a tooth, but these symptoms can have several causes. An examination and X-rays are needed to determine whether root canal therapy is appropriate.
Do I need an endodontist for a root canal?
Not every root canal requires an endodontist. Many cases may be treated by a general dentist, while more complex cases may be referred to an endodontist. Our dentists will evaluate your tooth and recommend the appropriate level of care.
How do I know if I have an infected tooth?
Possible signs of an infected tooth may include severe or persistent pain, swelling, lingering temperature sensitivity, pain when biting or a recurring bump on the gums. Contact our office for an evaluation if you experience these symptoms.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Persistent pain, lingering temperature sensitivity, swelling, pain when chewing or a recurring sore on the gums may indicate a problem inside the tooth. An examination and X-rays are needed to determine whether root canal therapy is appropriate.
How long does a root canal take?
The length of treatment depends on the tooth, the number of root canals and the extent of the infection. Many procedures can be completed in one or two visits.
Will I need a crown after root canal therapy?
Many back teeth require a crown after treatment because they absorb significant chewing pressure. Our dentists will evaluate the remaining tooth structure and recommend the appropriate restoration.
Can an infected tooth heal without treatment?
An infection inside a tooth generally does not resolve on its own. Symptoms may temporarily decrease, but the underlying problem can remain and may worsen without professional treatment.
What happens if I delay root canal treatment?
Delaying care may allow the infection to spread, increase discomfort or reduce the possibility of saving the tooth. Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles promptly if you have symptoms of a dental infection.
How long will a tooth last after a root canal?
A properly treated and restored tooth may remain functional for many years. Its longevity depends on the amount of remaining tooth structure, the final restoration, oral hygiene and ongoing dental care.
Can a root canal-treated tooth become infected again?
Reinfection is possible if bacteria re-enter the tooth through new decay, a crack or a damaged restoration. Contact our team if a previously treated tooth becomes painful, swollen or sensitive.
What should I expect after a root canal?
Mild tenderness is possible for several days after treatment. Follow the instructions provided by our team, avoid chewing on the tooth until it is fully restored and call us if your symptoms worsen.
Schedule a Root Canal Evaluation
If you have severe tooth pain, signs of an infected tooth or think you may need root canal treatment in Post Falls, Idaho, our team can evaluate the problem and explain your options.
Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles or call 208-773-8388 to schedule an evaluation with our experienced team.
