What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a common and highly effective dental procedure used to treat infection or inflammation inside a tooth. When the pulp — the soft inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels — becomes infected due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma, it can cause severe pain and compromise the tooth’s health.

During a root canal, the infected tissue is removed, the inside of the tooth is disinfected, and the root canals are sealed with a biocompatible material. The tooth is then restored with a crown to ensure full strength and function.

At Peak Dental Utah, we perform root canal therapy using modern techniques and advanced digital imaging for precision, comfort, and long-lasting results.

Why Root Canal Therapy Is Important

A root canal allows you to save your natural tooth rather than removing it. Extraction may seem like an easier solution, but replacing a lost tooth with implants or bridges is typically more invasive and costly — and may affect neighboring teeth and bone health.

With timely treatment, root canal therapy can restore your tooth to full function and preserve your natural smile for many years.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

You may need root canal therapy if you experience one or more of the following:
• Persistent or severe tooth pain
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums
• An abscess (pimple-like bump) on the gums
• Tooth discoloration
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Occasionally, no symptoms at all — visible only on an X-ray

If you experience these symptoms, schedule an evaluation as soon as possible. Early treatment prevents infection from spreading and increases the likelihood of saving the tooth.

Common Reasons for Root Canal Therapy

• Deep decay reaching the tooth pulp

• Infection or abscess near the tooth root

• Cracked or fractured tooth due to trauma

• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth

• Injury that damages the nerve without visible cracks

The Root Canal Procedure: Step-by-Step

Root canal therapy typically requires one or two appointments and can be performed by a general dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist).

Step 1: Numbing and Isolation
After administering local anesthesia, a rubber dam is placed to keep the area dry and bacteria-free.

Step 2: Cleaning the Tooth
A small opening is made on the tooth’s surface. Specialized files are used to remove the infected pulp, bacteria, and decay from the canals inside the tooth.

Step 3: Sealing the Canals
Once the space is thoroughly cleaned, it’s filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material that seals and stabilizes the canals. Depending on your case, a temporary or permanent filling is then placed.

Step 4: Final Restoration
Most root canal–treated teeth need a dental crown to restore full strength and protect against future fractures. The crown also improves the tooth’s appearance and function.

After treatment, mild sensitivity may occur but will subside as the tooth heals.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

• Eliminates pain and infection

• Saves your natural tooth

• Restores normal chewing and bite function

• Prevents spreading infection or abscesses

• Strengthens the tooth with lasting restoration

Gentle, Modern Root Canal Care at Peak Dental Utah

If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity, don’t wait — early intervention can make all the difference.

At Peak Dental Utah, our skilled team uses advanced endodontic tools and imaging technology to make root canal therapy efficient, gentle, and effective.

Schedule your consultation today and save your smile with expert root canal care.