Root canals are considered a form of endodontic therapy. Endodontics refers to specifically trained dentists who specialize in treating tooth pain & infections, saving the tooth’s interior, and performing root canals through oral surgery.

A root canal works to treat the soft tissue inside your tooth to save it and avoid having it pulled.

Endodontists are experts at determining the underlying cause of your mouth pain so they can treat it effectively. Dr. Charles Dennis, DMD, offers some of the best dental root canal services near Scranton, PA.

Endodontics Q & A

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that treats a damaged, infected, or diseased tooth. They relieve pain and save your tooth. For example, if you have a tooth that becomes severely infected from the inside, bacteria and dead tissue must be removed to prevent the infection from spreading. This way, he can save your tooth and help minimize your pain.

The treatment is similar to a routine filling for a cavity, so there’s nothing to worry about. Dr. Dennis uses the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment to perform a root canal in just one or two visits. The procedure is relatively painless and highly effective, so you can quickly get back to chewing without pain.

What are the symptoms of an infected tooth?

An infected tooth can become very painful very quickly, especially if you don’t take care of it promptly. Some typical symptoms of an infected tooth include:

  • Tooth soreness, especially while chewing
  • Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Pus oozing around the tooth
  • Unpleasant, salty taste in your mouth
  • Painful throbbing in your mouth or jaw
  • Swelling in face and cheeks
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Darkening tooth color
  • Inflamed gums
  • Bad breath

If you experience any of the symptoms of an infected tooth, it’s crucial to call Abington Center for Family & Cosmetic Dentistry as soon as possible. If you wait to treat it, the infection can get worse, and you risk losing your tooth, needing a root canal, a dental implant, or another type of restorative dental procedure.

Note: If you’re experiencing problems with your breathing or swallowing, the emergency room may be the quickest way to get the help you need.

Will my tooth abscess go away on its own?

Unfortunately, tooth infections and abscesses do not go away on their own. Without proper treatment, you risk the infection spreading to other teeth and into your body. This can cause many health complications. We recommend you call the office as soon as you notice that something is wrong to prevent further problems.

Are there any other treatment options?

If you decide against getting a root canal, you risk naturally losing your tooth, spreading infection, or having your tooth pulled. On the other hand, if you opt to get your tooth pulled, your teeth will naturally shift, and the missing area of the tooth can cause your jaw to weaken. This can cause problems with chewing and proper dental hygiene. That’s why we recommend attempting to save the tooth if possible.

Do root canals hurt?

Root canals, or endodontic therapy, tend to get a bad rep amongst patients who have heard that they are extremely painful. With today’s technology and advancements, root canals are no more painful than getting a filling. We use local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area during the procedure. Since we clear the infected pulp and root(s), you should experience less pain following surgery.

If you experience any symptoms of an infected tooth or trauma to your mouth, call us at Abington Dental. Dr. Charles Dennis, DMD, is an expert at dental root canal services in the Scranton, PA area, so you’ll be getting the best possible care. Call to schedule an appointment or use the online booking system.

A patient receiving dental root canal services in Scranton, PA
Robert T. Edmiston
Robert T. Edmiston
Modern, state of the art practice with warm inviting professional staff. Highly recommended!
Lizeth Fajardo
Lizeth Fajardo
Very professional, the staff maybe feel very comfortable, they explain me what I will need to be done.
Jeff MacDonald
Jeff MacDonald
Staff is amazing, everyone, so pleasant to deal with.
Mari Skelston
Mari Skelston
After a year plus absence from a dentist’s office due to relocation I faced a problem (toothache). I found Abington Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry. Dr. Dennis and the staff could not have been more accommodating, friendly, and professional. I anticipated feeling shame, embarrassment, and anxiety but instead was uplifted and welcomed. Thank you for easing my fear and anxiousness and giving me peace of mind and a pleasant experience.
Peter Frosini
Peter Frosini
Alison was friendly, quick and thorough with my cleaning today. Always good to see Dr. Dennis during my exam, and share a few good puns about life. All the best! /Peter F.
Joe Cianci
Joe Cianci
Great experiences! Super friendly and skilled staff from the front desk through the hygienist and doctor. Highly recommend!
Michele Yarnes
Michele Yarnes
I will never be able to fully express the gratitude for this dental practice and for what Dr. Charles Dennis did for me today. I had an emergent situation and no recourse and I found this dental practice on line when searching google. This wonderful doctor came in on his day off and met me at his office to start the first part of a root canal on a cracked tooth. I can't thank him enough and the friendly front office. I am a new client and my son will be coming over too. Thank you Dr. Dennis from the bottom of my heart.
Urwa Siddiqui
Urwa Siddiqui
I can’t begin to describe how happy I am with the work that Dr. Dennis and his team did on my teeth. Him and his team listened to each and every one of my preferences and accommodated every part in the most perfect manner. His team and him made sure I was 100% satisfied with everything and if I wasn’t, they would go back and work to make it better. They were very patient with me and worked endlessly to make sure I was happy. I can now smile with so much confidence and it’s all thanks to Dr. Dennis and his team. I’ve gotten my entire family to switch over to him for dental work and I will be recommending his practice to everyone I know around the NorthEast area. Seriously, if you want someone to treat you like a person and listen to you with a genuine interest to your satisfaction, there is no one better than Dr. Dennis & his team. From the front desk ladies (the sweetest people you will meet) to the dental team (Karen & Sam you guys made me feel so comfortable and so calm) to Dr. Dennis himself (a highly intelligent and hard working man), everyone went above and beyond. Can’t thank them all enough!