Root Canal Therapy
Root canals have an undeserved reputation. The truth is, root canal therapy is one of the most effective ways to save a tooth that's in trouble. It doesn’t cause pain—it relieves it. And thanks to modern dental techniques, getting one today is as straightforward and comfortable as a routine filling.
At Gentle Family Dentistry, we’re all about helping you understand your options in Augusta ME, Madison ME, and Winslow ME. So if you're looking for a no-fluff, straight-talk guide to what root canals are (and aren't), you’re in the right place.
What Exactly Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes the infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth) to save the tooth’s structure. The pulp includes nerves and blood vessels—once it becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, trauma, or deep cracks, it can’t heal on its own.
During a root canal, we:
- Remove the diseased pulp
- Clean and disinfect the root canals
- Fill the space with a rubber-like material
- Seal the tooth and prep it for a crown, if needed
The result? A fully functional tooth that’s pain-free and still part of your natural smile.
Why Root Canals Matter
Saving your natural tooth has a lot of benefits:
- You maintain proper bite and chewing function
- You preserve natural appearance and alignment
- You avoid needing a bridge or dental implant
- You protect nearby teeth from excessive wear or strain
So while it might sound intimidating, a root canal is actually the hero in this story—rescuing your tooth from extraction and helping you avoid more complex (and costly) dental procedures.
What’s A Pulpectomy?
Let’s talk terminology for a second.
A pulpectomy is actually a part of the root canal process. Specifically, it refers to the complete removal of pulp tissue from both the crown and root of a tooth. It's usually done as a first step in cases where the pulp is severely infected but the tooth can still be saved.
You might hear this term used more frequently in pediatric dentistry, especially when treating infected baby teeth. In adult cases, a pulpectomy is often just one part of a full root canal procedure.
In short, every root canal involves a pulpectomy, but not every pulpectomy ends with a traditional root canal (especially with children).
What About An Apicoectomy?
Sometimes, a traditional root canal isn’t enough.
If a tooth that’s already had a root canal gets reinfected—or if the infection sits at the very tip of the root—an apicoectomy may be needed. This is a surgical procedure that removes the tip (or apex) of the tooth root and seals it to prevent further infection.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens during an apicoectomy:
- We make a small incision in the gum to expose the root tip
- Remove the infected tissue and a few millimeters of the root
- Clean and seal the end of the root canal
- Close the gum tissue with sutures
It sounds intense, but it’s a minor oral surgery—and it can make the difference between saving or losing the tooth.
How Do These Treatments Work Together?
Here’s a simplified way to think about it:
- Pulpectomy = removal of infected pulp (usually the first step)
- Root canal = full cleaning, shaping, and filling of the root canals
- Apicoectomy = a last-resort surgical procedure to clean the root tip if infection comes back
They’re all designed with one goal in mind: to save your natural tooth and keep your mouth as healthy as possible.
Will I Need A Crown After A Root Canal?
In most cases, yes. Once we’ve completed a root canal, the tooth itself is no longer “alive,” meaning it's more brittle. A dental crown helps protect it from cracks, wear, or reinfection and restores full chewing function.
We’ll make sure your crown fits perfectly and looks just like your natural tooth—no one will know the difference.
Root Canal Myths? Let’s Bust A Few
“Root canals are painful.”
Not anymore. With local anesthesia and modern technology, it’s a routine, comfortable procedure.“It’s better to just pull the tooth.”
Only as a last resort. Nothing beats keeping your natural tooth when it’s still viable.“Root canals don’t last.”
When properly done and cared for, a root canal-treated tooth can last just as long as any other.
Let’s Save That Tooth
At Gentle Family Dentistry, we believe that knowledge empowers better decisions. If you’re dealing with a deep cavity, tooth trauma, or previous root canal issues, we’ll talk you through all your options—clearly, honestly, and without pressure.
Think you might need a root canal or apicoectomy? Call us today or book a consultation online. We’re here to save your smile—one tooth at a time.
