Root Canal Therapy in Metairie, LA

Root canal therapy treats infection or inflammation inside a tooth, relieving the pain it causes and saving the natural tooth from extraction. Our dental team at Russo Family Dentistry & Aesthetics in Metairie provides root canal therapy for patients across the greater New Orleans area.

In pain right now? Call us at (504) 454-7008 or see our emergency dental care page. Severe tooth pain and swelling shouldn’t wait for a routine appointment.

Inside every tooth is soft tissue called pulp, which contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack, a large or repeated filling, or an injury can let bacteria reach the pulp and infect it. Signs that may point to an infected tooth include:

• Severe or throbbing toothache, especially when chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the temperature is gone
• Swelling or tenderness in the gum near the tooth
• A pimple-like bump on the gum
• A tooth that has darkened

Some infected teeth cause no symptoms at all and are found on X rays at a routine exam. Only an examination can confirm whether a root canal is needed.

Root canals have a reputation they no longer deserve. The pain people associate with the phrase is mostly the pain of the infection before treatment. The procedure itself is done under local anesthetic, and most patients report it feels similar to getting a large filling.

Root canal therapy doesn’t cause the pain. It relieves it.

Some soreness for a few days afterward is normal as the tissue around the tooth settles. If you’re anxious about dental treatment, let us know when you schedule so our team can discuss what may help you feel more comfortable.

The number of visits depends on the tooth; your dentist will explain the expected timeline at your exam. Here’s how treatment works:

Your dentist examines the tooth and takes X rays to confirm the infection and assess the tooth’s roots. You’ll get an explanation of what was found and what treatment involves before anything begins.

The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anesthetic. A small protective sheet isolates the tooth and keeps it clean during treatment.

Your dentist creates a small opening in the tooth, removes the infected or inflamed pulp, and carefully cleans and shapes the canals inside the roots.

The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber-like material and sealed to help protect against reinfection. A temporary filling may close the opening until the tooth’s final restoration.

A root canal treated tooth, particularly a back tooth, often needs a dental crown to protect it long term. Your dentist will explain which restoration is recommended for your tooth and when it should be placed.

Most patients return to normal activities the next day. To help the tooth heal:

• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until its final restoration is in place
• Some soreness for a few days is normal; over the counter pain relievers, used as directed, are typically enough
• Brush and floss normally, being gentle around the treated area
• Keep your follow up appointment for the permanent restoration

Contact the office if you have severe pain, visible swelling, an uneven bite, or if the temporary filling comes out.

When a tooth is infected, the choice is usually between root canal therapy and extraction. Keeping your natural tooth is generally preferred when the tooth can be saved: nothing chews, feels, or preserves the jawbone quite like a natural root, and replacing an extracted tooth with an implant or bridge involves additional treatment.

Extraction is sometimes the right call, such as when a tooth is too damaged or cracked to restore. Your dentist will walk you through both options honestly, including what each involves, so the decision is yours.

The cost depends on which tooth is treated (molars have more canals than front teeth) and what restoration the tooth needs afterward. Contact our office to discuss cost and any insurance questions before your visit.

Russo Family Dentistry & Aesthetics was founded by Dr. Nicole Russo, a Kenner native who earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from LSU School of Dentistry. She is CITA board certified and a member of the ADA, LDA, and NODA. Our team serves patients across Metairie, Kenner, and the greater New Orleans area.

The office is located at 4520 Clearview Parkway in Metairie. See our contact page for current office hours.

An infected tooth won’t heal on its own, and the pain it causes is your signal to act. Call Russo Family Dentistry & Aesthetics at (504) 454-7008 and let our team take a look. We serve patients in Metairie, Kenner, and surrounding Greater New Orleans communities.