Root Canal Therapy in Philadelphia
If you're suffering from a persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling around your gums, you might be in need of root canal therapy. At 360 Dental PC, Dr. Sitkovetskiy offers expert root canal treatments that relieve pain, remove infection, and preserve your natural tooth—so you can get back to smiling with comfort and confidence.
Despite its reputation, a root canal is not something to fear. With modern techniques, advanced technology, and gentle care, we make the experience comfortable, efficient, and highly successful.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a procedure used to treat an infected or inflamed tooth pulp—the soft tissue inside the root of your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When decay, trauma, or cracks reach the pulp, it can cause severe pain and lead to an infection or abscess.
Rather than removing the tooth, root canal therapy allows us to clean out the infected tissue, disinfect the canals, and seal the tooth with a strong filling or crown. This not only relieves your pain but also saves your natural tooth and prevents the need for extraction.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
It’s important to catch tooth infections early to prevent complications. Common symptoms that may indicate the need for root canal therapy include:
- Persistent or severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures (especially lingering pain)
- Swollen or tender gums near a tooth
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums (dental abscess)
- Pain when chewing or biting
- A tooth that feels loose
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Sitkovetskiy. Prompt treatment can prevent the infection from spreading and save your tooth.
What Does Root Canal Therapy Involve?
At 360 Dental PC, we use the latest tools and techniques to make your root canal procedure smooth, efficient, and pain-free. Here’s what you can expect:
Diagnosis and X-rays
First, we’ll examine your tooth and take digital X-rays to confirm the presence and extent of infection. If root canal therapy is needed, Dr. Sitkovetskiy will explain your options and answer any questions before treatment begins.
Local Anesthesia
We begin by thoroughly numbing the area around the affected tooth. Most patients report that a root canal feels similar to getting a routine filling—no more painful than other dental procedures.
Removing the Infected Pulp
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the infected or inflamed pulp. Using specialized instruments, the pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth (root canals) is carefully cleaned and shaped.
Disinfection and Filling
Once the canals are cleaned, they’re disinfected and filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
Final Restoration
In many cases, a dental crown is placed over the tooth to restore its strength, shape, and function. This step usually occurs at a follow-up appointment and ensures the tooth remains protected for years to come.
