Steel Valley Smiles

Restorative Dentistry

Root Canal Therapy.

Root canal therapy saves a tooth that would otherwise need extraction. When the nerve tissue inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, Dr. D'Alesio carefully removes the affected tissue, disinfects the canal, and seals the tooth. With modern techniques and effective anesthesia, most patients are surprised at how manageable the procedure is.

Honestly, I'm not a big fan of dental work myself — so I understand the dread. But most patients tell me a root canal was nowhere near as bad as they expected. The infection is what hurts; the procedure is what fixes it.

60–90 min

Appointment time

1–2 appointments

Visits needed

Save the tooth

Goal

Crown placement

Follow-up

What's happening inside the tooth

Every tooth has a hollow center with nerve tissue and blood vessels inside — that's called the pulp. When bacteria get deep into the tooth through a large cavity or crack, that pulp can become infected. An infected pulp causes the pressure and throbbing you feel. The root canal removes that infected tissue, cleans out the space, and seals everything up so the tooth can stay.

Why it's usually not what people expect

The reputation root canals have comes from an era before modern anesthesia was as reliable as it is now. Today, the tooth is numbed thoroughly before anything starts. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but sharp discomfort is not something you should experience — and if you do, we stop and address it. Most patients are genuinely surprised at how manageable it is. The tooth can feel sore for a day or two after, which is normal as things settle.

What happens during treatment

1

Getting you fully numb

We take our time with anesthesia. The procedure doesn't start until you're comfortable.

2

Accessing the pulp

A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the canals inside.

3

Cleaning and shaping

The infected tissue is carefully removed and each canal is shaped and disinfected.

4

Sealing the tooth

The canals are sealed with a biocompatible material. A temporary or permanent crown is placed to protect the tooth.

After the procedure

Some soreness for 1–3 days is normal — over-the-counter relief typically handles it.
Avoid chewing on that side until the permanent crown is placed.
The crown that follows is what gives the tooth its long-term strength — don't skip that step.

Common Questions

Does a root canal hurt?

I'm not a big fan of dental work myself — so I get it when patients are nervous. The honest answer is: the procedure is done with thorough anesthesia and most patients feel pressure, not pain. The infection before treatment is often far worse than the root canal itself. Many patients tell me they wish they'd come in sooner.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Common signs include a persistent toothache, prolonged sensitivity to heat, swelling near the tooth, or a small pimple-like bump on the gums. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all and it shows up on an x-ray. Either way, we'll explain what we're seeing and why we recommend what we recommend.

Is it better to pull the tooth and get an implant?

Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better long-term option when it's possible. Natural teeth are better for jawbone health and biting function than any replacement. We only lean toward extraction when the tooth genuinely can't be saved.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients feel back to normal within 2–3 days. The tooth may be tender to chewing for a short time. Once the permanent crown is in place, most people forget the tooth even had work done.

If you're in pain, we want to help you get out of it.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. D'Alesio. No pressure, no commitment — just clear answers.

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