Root Canal Therapy in Tuscaloosa, AL

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure used to treat infection or inflammation inside a tooth. When decay or trauma reaches the inner pulp (nerve) of the tooth, a root canal is necessary to eliminate the infection and save the tooth from extraction.

Root canal therapy:

• Removes infected pulp and bacteria
  
• Cleans and disinfects the root canals
  
• Seals the space to prevent reinfection
  
• Restores the tooth with a dental crown for strength and protection
  

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

You may need a root canal if you're experiencing:

• Severe toothache or throbbing pain
  
• Pain when chewing or biting
  
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
  
• Swelling in the gums near a tooth
  
• Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
  
• A bump or pimple on the gums
  

Even if the pain stops, the infection may still be present. A thorough dental exam and X-rays will help us determine whether root canal therapy is needed.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Root canals are more comfortable and efficient than ever before. Here’s what to expect:

1. Diagnosis and Imaging
   We take digital X-rays to evaluate the roots and confirm infection or inflammation.
   
2. Comfort-First Anesthesia
   Your tooth and surrounding area are completely numbed with local anesthetic.
   
3. Cleaning the Canals
   We access the inside of the tooth, gently remove the infected pulp, and clean the canals using precision tools and advanced irrigation.
   
4. Sealing the Tooth
   The cleaned canals are sealed with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) to prevent reinfection.
   
5. Restoration
   We place a temporary or permanent filling, and in most cases, recommend a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth long-term.
   

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

This is one of the biggest myths in dentistry. Thanks to modern endodontic techniques, root canals are no more uncomfortable than a typical filling. Most patients feel relief—not pain—after treatment.

At Rhodes & Rhodes, we use:

• Gentle, high-tech instruments
  
• Comfort-first local anesthesia
  
• A calm, judgment-free environment
  

If you’ve been putting off care due to fear or anxiety, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help you through it with compassion.

Saving Your Natural Tooth Matters

Whenever possible, it’s best to save your natural tooth. Compared to extraction and replacement, a root canal is:

• Less invasive
  
• More affordable
  
• Faster to recover from
  
• Better for preserving jawbone and alignment
  

After treatment and crown placement, your restored tooth will look, feel, and function just like the rest of your smile.

Serving Tuscaloosa & Nearby Areas

We offer root canal therapy for patients across:

• Tuscaloosa
  
• Northport
  
• Cottondale
  
• Brookwood
  
• Moundville
  
• Holt
  
• Vance
  
• Coker
  

Looking for root canal near me or endodontics in Tuscaloosa? We’re local, trusted, and ready to help—fast.

Don’t Wait—Relieve the Pain & Save the Tooth

Root canal therapy is one of the most effective ways to preserve a damaged tooth. If you're in pain or suspect infection, early treatment is key to preventing further complications.