Older woman holding mouth in pain

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal infection can cause pain and difficulty chewing. Left untreated, it can even require tooth extraction.

Root canal therapy is commonly performed to remove damaged tissue and restore a patient's oral health.

At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, our team provides painless root canal therapy to patients in the Philadelphia, PA, area.

Experiencing Tooth Pain? Call Our Team of Dentists Today

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain or notice an abscess (a puffy area on your gums near the roots of a tooth), you may have a root canal infection. Visit the dentists at our offices in Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, or Montgomeryville so we can examine your oral health and take X-rays to determine if you need root canal treatment.

What Is a Root Canal Infection?

Root canal therapy, also called endodontic treatment, is necessary when the tooth pulp has become infected. The pulp in the root canals and center of each tooth consists of blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues. Cracks, cavities, or other tooth damage can allow bacteria to reach the pulp, causing an infection. Patients require timely endodontic treatment to eliminate this infection.
Illustration showing the stages of root canal therapy
Endodontic treatment is completed in several steps to completely clear the infected pulp and preserve the tooth.

Signs of Infection

While some patients may not experience any symptoms, there are often noticeable signs that you are suffering from a dental infection:

  • Severe toothache
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Discoloration of the tooth

If you have any of these concerns, contact our dentists as soon as possible so we can take X-rays and examine your tooth. The earlier a root canal infection is treated, the better our chance of saving the tooth.

Consequences of Untreated Infection

An untreated dental infection can have serious consequences, as bacteria in the root canal will continue to multiply. This can lead to the development of an abscess, as well as damage to the surrounding soft and hard tissues. In many cases, the tooth must be extracted in order to protect the patient's oral health. To prevent tooth loss, patients should undergo root canal treatment as soon as possible.

Contact Our Dental Practice

Do not allow dental pain to go untreated. Our skilled dentists can quickly complete an in-depth evaluation to detect signs of infection. Dr. Kellyn Hodges and our team coordinate with a highly trained endodontist for streamlined and efficient care.

Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics offers high-quality dental care to patients throughout the Philadelphia, PA, area from our offices in Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and Montgomeryville. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate you might need root canal treatment, request a consultation with our dentists online or reach us by phone:

Bensalem: (215) 245-5100

Montgomeryville: (215) 412-9810

Bala Cynwyd: (610) 617-0700

Office Interior

"I'm So Happy With My Results!"

1

Camille W

2021

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I always have a great, smooth, experience here. The staff are always friendly, respectful, caring and courteous of your time. The office is run very smoothly and efficiently when Dr. Hodges is there or not. I'm so happy with my results!! I no longer hide my smile!!!

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1

Stanley Toussaint

2021

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I have been under the care of Dr. Hodges and her wonderful team for 5 years, and each visit is better than the preceding one. They offer the best orthodontic services in ALL of the Northeast. Here’s why I say this: despite no longer living in Philly, I travel back from NYC to Dr. Hodges’ practice for all of my orthodontic needs. I especially want to thank Linda, who is consistently welcoming and helpful, and ensures my smile remains my best attribute. Thank you, Linda!

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What to Expect

Our Philadelphia, PA-area patients receive painless root canal treatment when they undergo this dental procedure with our team.

Day of Procedure

Numbing Solution

To begin, your endodontist will numb the treatment area and surrounding tissue to ensure your comfort.

Accessing the Root Canals

A small hole will be made in the surface of the tooth in order to give your endodontist access to the tooth interior.

Removing the Infection

Next, the pulp will be removed from the root canals to eliminate the infection.

Filling the Root Canals

The inside of the tooth is then thoroughly cleaned and reshaped so that it can be filled with a rubber-like substance (called gutta-percha) to fill the pulp chamber and the root canals.

Temporary Restoration

Often, patients are provided with a temporary filling or dental crown until a customized restoration can be crafted. During your consultation with your dentist, we will discuss your restoration options. You may prefer an all-porcelain crown for a more natural appearance or a metal crown for durability, depending on the location of the treated tooth. 

Placing the Restoration

Your dentist will place your permanent crown during a second appointment, usually about two weeks after your root canal.

Common Questions

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

While a root canal infection can cause significant pain, its treatment will not. Your endodontist will administer local anesthesia so you don't feel discomfort during the procedure. In fact, for the patient, it's not all that different than having a simple filling placed. After root canal therapy, patients will experience immediate pain relief, though the area may be sensitive for a few days.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

Root canal therapy is a relatively quick procedure. In most cases, a single tooth can be treated in just 30 to 60 minutes.

What Are the Side Effects After a Root Canal?

After treatment, you can return to your daily activities. You may feel some lingering sensitivity, but this should quickly subside. Since the source of discomfort has been removed, you should be able to eat more comfortably within a few days.

How Do I Care for My Tooth After Treatment?

You can care for your treated tooth just like your other teeth. You should brush twice a day, floss daily, and attend dental exams and cleanings twice a year. Ongoing dental care can ensure that you maintain good oral health in the long term.

Root Canal vs. Extraction

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Saving your natural teeth is always preferable to tooth extraction. However, if the tooth is too greatly damaged or previous root canal therapy was unsuccessful, your dentist can refer you to a trusted oral surgeon for tooth extraction.

"This Team Is Beyond Trustworthy."

1

Taquilla Lewis

2021

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Kellyn Hodges practice is wonderful everyone is so nice and patient with the care and all treatments are exceptional. This team is beyond trust worthy when it comes down to your teeth. Lynn has helped me a few times she goes above and beyond to make sure my problems are resolved and I'm leaving the office happy! Thank you thank you all!

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Min. Nicole Proctor

2021

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Dr. Hodges and her staff were simply amazing. I am grateful to see the beautiful outcome of my son’s smile and confidence. ✨ Dr. Hodges, is full of compassion and quality patient care. This shines through her presence and it’s the attitude of her staff as well. ✨ I highly recommend Dr. Hodges as a consumate professional that truly cares about people. ✨ I’m 50, and I’m thinking I’ll be next in line in her chair.

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Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics staff

Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics

At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, serving patients in Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and throughout Philadelphia, we are committed to helping children and adults of all backgrounds achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Our compassionate and widely respected doctors are members of prestigious dental organizations, including: 

  • American Association of Orthodontists
  • American Dental Association 
  • National Dental Association
  • National Board of Orthodontics, U. S. 

To reach our helpful, multilingual staff, call us at (610) 617-0700 or request a consultation online.

Contact Us Today

We love Kellyn Hodges! She listens to her patients and provides excellent care! Her staff is very friendly and helpful as well! Tara F.

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