Root Canal Therapy
Root canals have an undeserved reputation. The truth is, root canal therapy in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME. is one of the most effective ways to save a tooth that's in trouble. It doesn’t cause pain—it relieves it. And thanks to modern dental techniques, getting one today is as straightforward and comfortable as a routine filling.
Although root canals can seem scary and intimidating, they are a routine dental procedure that is important to your oral health. A broken tooth or other damage that exposes the tooth’s root can make a root canal necessary, because bacteria can build up and cause infection. Our goal here at Gentle Dental is to make sure that a root canal is never necessary with regular check-ups, but if a tooth deteriorates to the point where one is necessary, we will make the procedure as painless as possible.
At Gentle Dental, we’re all about helping you understand your options. So if you're looking for a no-fluff, straight-talk guide to what root canals are (and aren't), you’re in the right place.
What Exactly Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to repair a tooth that is seriously decayed to the point where it has become, or is at risk to become infected. At Gentle Dental, we use the latest technologies to make the procedure as smooth and painless as possible. First we remove the “pulp tissue” within the tooth, made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. By removing this pulp tissue, we are able to clear away any bacteria that is causing an infection in the tooth. The tooth will then be sealed up using a form of filling, and a crown will be secured to the top of the tooth. This crown will last for many years and provide protection against further infection. Root canals are the best way to relieve the pain caused by a damaged and infected tooth, and will greatly improve a person’s oral health.
Are Root Canals Painful?
While the description of a root canal procedure can seem painful, our dentists at Gentle Dental perform them regularly and can assure you that with our proper anesthesia administration, a root canal will not be any more painful than getting a cavity filling. Following the procedure, patients may feel soreness and discomfort for a few days but it should be nothing in comparison to the pain of an infected tooth
Why Root Canals Matter
Saving your natural tooth has a lot of benefits:
- You maintain proper bite and chewing function
- You preserve natural appearance and alignment
- You avoid needing a bridge or dental implant
- You protect nearby teeth from excessive wear or strain
So while it might sound intimidating, a root canal is actually the hero in this story—rescuing your tooth from extraction and helping you avoid more complex (and costly) dental procedures.
What’s A Pulpectomy?
Let’s talk terminology for a second.
A pulpectomy is actually a part of the root canal process. Specifically, it refers to the complete removal of pulp tissue from both the crown and root of a tooth. It's usually done as a first step in cases where the pulp is severely infected but the tooth can still be saved.
You might hear this term used more frequently in pediatric dentistry, especially when treating infected baby teeth. In adult cases, a pulpectomy is often just one part of a full root canal procedure.
In short, every root canal involves a pulpectomy, but not every pulpectomy ends with a traditional root canal (especially with children).
What About An Apicoectomy?
Sometimes, a traditional root canal isn’t enough.
If a tooth that’s already had a root canal gets reinfected—or if the infection sits at the very tip of the root—an apicoectomy may be needed. This is a surgical procedure that removes the tip (or apex) of the tooth root and seals it to prevent further infection.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens during an apicoectomy:
- We make a small incision in the gum to expose the root tip
- Remove the infected tissue and a few millimeters of the root
- Clean and seal the end of the root canal
- Close the gum tissue with sutures
It sounds intense, but it’s a minor oral surgery—and it can make the difference between saving or losing the tooth.
How Do These Treatments Work Together?
Here’s a simplified way to think about it:
- Pulpectomy = removal of infected pulp (usually the first step)
- Root canal = full cleaning, shaping, and filling of the root canals
- Apicoectomy = a last-resort surgical procedure to clean the root tip if infection comes back
They’re all designed with one goal in mind: to save your natural tooth and keep your mouth as healthy as possible.
Will I Need A Crown After A Root Canal?
In most cases, yes. Once we’ve completed a root canal, the tooth itself is no longer “alive,” meaning it's more brittle. A dental crown helps protect it from cracks, wear, or reinfection and restores full chewing function.
We’ll make sure your crown fits perfectly and looks just like your natural tooth—no one will know the difference.
How To Prevent Root Canals
The best way to prevent having to get a root canal procedure is by keeping up excellent at-home oral health. You can do this by being sure to brush your teeth twice per day and floss once daily. You should also make sure that you’re seeing your dentist every six months, so any cavities or decay can be fixed before they get to the point where a root canal procedure is necessary.
Root Canal Myths? Let’s Bust A Few
“Root canals are painful.”
Not anymore. With local anesthesia and modern technology, it’s a routine, comfortable procedure.“It’s better to just pull the tooth.”
Only as a last resort. Nothing beats keeping your natural tooth when it’s still viable.“Root canals don’t last.”
When properly done and cared for, a root canal-treated tooth can last just as long as any other.
Let’s Save That Tooth
If you have anymore questions about root canal procedures, please contact us a by giving one of our locations a call. At Gentle Dental, we believe that knowledge empowers better decisions. Our team of family dentists would be happy to answer any questions you may have! If you’re dealing with a deep cavity, tooth trauma, or previous root canal issues, we’ll talk you through all your options—clearly, honestly, and without pressure.
Think you might need a root canal or apicoectomy? Call us today or book a consultation online. We’re here to save your smile—one tooth at a time.
