Root Canals in Stanley, WI
A root canal can save a tooth that is badly infected or decayed and relieve the pain that comes with it. At Stanley Hometown Dentistry, we perform gentle root canal treatment to remove infection, protect your natural tooth, and restore your comfort.
When Is a Root Canal Needed?
Root canals are needed when decay and bacteria spread for too long without treatment and reach the pulp inside the tooth. Because the pulp contains nerves, infection usually causes significant pain. The damage is happening inside the tooth, so you may not see it, but you may notice:
- Persistent or throbbing tooth pain
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums near the tooth
- Darkening of the tooth
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
The Root Canal Procedure
After numbing the tooth, Dr. Gunelson removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and fills and seals the canals. We use digital X-rays and 3D imaging to see the root structure clearly. Modern root canal treatment feels much like getting a filling, and it relieves the pain caused by infection.
Protecting the Tooth After Treatment
A tooth that has had a root canal can become brittle, so most patients need a crown to restore strength and function. With our same-day crowns, you may be able to complete your restoration in a single visit.
Why Save Your Natural Tooth?
Saving your tooth with a root canal helps maintain your bite, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and avoids the need for an extraction and replacement.
Root Canals FAQs
Is a root canal painful?
No. With modern techniques and local anesthetic, a root canal feels similar to getting a filling and relieves infection pain.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in one or two appointments.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Most teeth, especially back teeth, need a crown to protect them after a root canal.
What happens if I do not get a root canal?
The infection can spread, cause an abscess, and lead to tooth loss.
How long does a root canal last?
A tooth treated with a root canal and restored with a crown can last a lifetime with proper care.
Can I go back to work after a root canal?
Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the next day.
Is a root canal better than an extraction?
Saving your natural tooth is usually the best option for long-term oral health and function.
Get Relief From Tooth Pain
Call Stanley Hometown Dentistry at (715) 644-3601 or request an appointment online to schedule your visit with Dr. James Gunelson in Stanley, WI .