Root Canal Therapy in Catonsville, MD

Signs you may need a root canal

• Lasting sensitivity to hot or cold
• Severe pain when chewing or biting
• A tooth that has darkened
• Swollen or tender gums, or a pimple-like bump near a tooth
• Sometimes no symptoms, found during a checkup or on X-rays

What to expect

1. We numb the tooth so you stay comfortable.
2. Your dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp from inside the tooth.
3. The inside of the tooth is cleaned, shaped, and sealed to prevent reinfection.
4. A crown is often recommended afterward to protect the tooth.

Simple root canals here, specialists when you need them

We perform simple root canals in our office, for teeth with straightforward canals that can be treated predictably.

Some cases are better handled by an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canals. These can include back molars with curved or narrow canals, retreating a tooth that’s had a root canal before, or an infection that hasn’t responded to treatment.

When a specialist is the right choice, we refer you to one of the trusted endodontists we work with, share your X-rays and records, and place your crown afterward, so your care stays coordinated.

After your root canal

The tooth may feel tender for a few days, which over-the-counter pain relievers usually help. Avoid chewing hard foods on that tooth until it's fully restored with a crown or filling.

Why save your natural tooth

Keeping your natural tooth helps you chew normally, keeps nearby teeth from shifting, and avoids the need for a bridge or denture.