Don’t Live With Tooth Pain Any Longer
If you’re dealing with persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, it may be more than just a cavity. At Advanced Dentistry in Oakdale, PA, our skilled dentists—Dr. TJ Ameredes and Dr. David Mascio—provide professional root canal therapy to help patients preserve their natural teeth and restore function. Root canal treatment has a reputation for being scary, but in reality, it’s a straightforward and effective way to eliminate bacteria, stop tooth pain, and prevent tooth loss.
Keep reading to learn how root canal therapy works, why it’s necessary, and what to expect. Ready to save your smile? Call (412) 788-6300 today to schedule an appointment at our Oakdale dentist’s office.
Why Choose Advanced Dentistry in Oakdale?
Dr. Ameredes and Dr. Mascio bring a thoughtful, patient-first approach to every root canal they perform. At Advanced Dentistry in Oakdale, PA, the focus isn’t just on fixing teeth—it’s about restoring peace of mind. From your first consultation to the final dental crown placement, you’ll be guided by a team that understands how stressful dental pain can be and works diligently to make each step feel clear, calm, and manageable. With years of experience in endodontic treatment and modern techniques that minimize discomfort, our dentists are committed to making root canal therapy feel like a relief, not a burden.
In addition to clinical excellence, our Oakdale dental office prioritizes advanced technology, comfort, and communication. We use digital imaging to enhance precision and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. Nervous about treatment? We take the time to explain every detail and offer options that help you stay relaxed and informed. You’re not just a chart in our system—you’re a neighbor, and your care reflects that.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a specialized endodontic treatment that addresses infections deep within a tooth’s pulp chamber. This soft tissue, containing blood vessels and nerves, can become inflamed or infected due to trauma, decay, or cracks in the enamel. The goal of the procedure is to eliminate the infection, relieve discomfort, and preserve the structure of your natural tooth.
Using small precision tools, our dentists remove the infected pulp and thoroughly disinfect the root canals. These canals are then shaped and filled with gutta-percha—a durable, rubber-like material that seals the space and helps prevent reinfection. After the procedure, the tooth is restored with a permanent crown, allowing it to function like your other teeth.
A few highlights of root canal therapy include:
Stops the spread of bacteria to surrounding tissues
Preserves the alignment and bite of your existing teeth
Avoids the need for tooth extraction and costly replacements
Anatomy of a Tooth
Understanding why root canal treatment works begins with the structure of your tooth:
Crown: The top part of the tooth that you can see above the gumline. It’s covered in hard enamel.
Dentin: The softer layer beneath the enamel, providing structure.
Pulp Chamber: The innermost part of the tooth, filled with pulp—a mix of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
Whether you’ve been avoiding treatment or just noticed symptoms, there’s no better time to call (412) 788-6300 and discover the compassionate care that sets our dental practice apart.
When Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?
Root canal therapy is typically necessary when the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This often results from deep cavities, cracked teeth, or trauma that compromises the interior of the tooth. If bacteria reach the pulp chamber, the tissue can begin to break down and create pressure inside the tooth, leading to pain, swelling, and eventually, the death of the tooth. Timely root canal treatment is essential to stop this progression and preserve your oral health.
Our Oakdale dentists near you may recommend a root canal in these cases:
Extensive decay has reached the pulp chamber
Tooth trauma or fracture has exposed the pulp
Infected pulp from previous dental procedures
Severe toothache or swelling from an infected root canal
When the pulp inside becomes infected due to trauma, decay, or bacteria, root canal therapy is necessary to save the tooth. If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to abscesses, bone loss, or the need for extraction.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
Worried you might need a root canal? It’s not always easy to tell when something is wrong beneath the surface of your tooth. While some dental issues show up with obvious pain or swelling, others develop silently until the infection becomes advanced. That’s why paying attention to the warning signs can help you take action before the problem worsens. Look for these common symptoms:
Persistent or throbbing tooth pain
Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
Gum swelling or tenderness
Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
Pain while biting or chewing
If any of these sound familiar, call (412) 788-6300 to schedule a diagnostic appointment at our dentist’s office near you in Oakdale.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Many patients are surprised to learn that root canal treatment offers long-term benefits, including:
Pain relief from infected pulp or nerve damage
Preservation of your natural smile
Restored chewing function and tooth stability
Prevention of further infection in the surrounding soft tissue
Avoidance of extraction and replacement procedures
Our Oakdale dental team is committed to helping you keep your natural teeth whenever possible.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
Curious about what to expect from your root canal at Advanced Dentistry? Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Exams and X-Rays: Our dentists take digital images to assess the pulp and roots.
Local Anesthetic: The area is numbed completely, so you stay comfortable.
Pulpectomy: We access the pulp chamber and remove the infected pulp inside the tooth.
Shaping & Cleaning: The root canals are cleaned, shaped, and treated to eliminate bacteria.
Sealing: Gutta-percha is used to fill the root canals and prevent reinfection.
Temporary Filling: A temporary restoration protects the tooth while it heals.
Permanent Crown: At a follow-up appointment, a custom crown is placed to restore full tooth function.
Most patients feel relief shortly after their procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to manage post-procedure sensitivity.
Types of Endodontic Treatment
While root canal therapy is the most common, Advanced Dentistry offers additional endodontic procedures depending on your needs:
Root Canal Retreatment: For teeth that develop a new infection after previous treatment
Apicoectomy: A surgical solution for infections that persist at the root tip
Pulp Capping: A conservative option for mildly damaged pulp
Our dentists will discuss your options and help you decide the best path forward. Whether you’re nervous or just unsure about your symptoms, we’re here to answer questions and walk you through the process. Call (412) 788-6300 to talk with our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, root canal therapy is a safe, routine dental treatment. Our Oakdale dentists use advanced tools and biocompatible materials like gutta-percha to ensure a successful result and eliminate bacteria from the root canals.
Most root canals can be completed in one to two visits, depending on the complexity of the tooth. Afterward, you’ll return for a crown to complete the restoration.
Root canal treatment can be performed on most teeth—molars, premolars, and front teeth. If the tooth is severely damaged or fractured, we’ll let you know if an alternative treatment is better.
Thanks to local anesthetic, most patients say the procedure is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Some soreness afterward is normal but short-lived.
Restore Your Smile With Root Canal Therapy in Oakdale, PA
You don’t have to live with the pain of an infected tooth. With great care from Dr. Ameredes and Dr. Mascio at Advanced Dentistry, root canal therapy is a stress-free way to save your natural smile and protect your health.
Ready to restore comfort, function, and confidence in your smile?
Call (412) 788-6300 today to schedule your consultation at our Oakdale dentist’s office near you. Our experienced team is here to help you feel better fast—and keep your smile shining for years to come.
