Persistent throbbing or sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers often means the nerve inside the tooth is infected or inflamed. Smile Center Dentistry uses digital X-rays and, when needed, an apex locator to treat the canal precisely.
A root canal performed with the right tools and enough time has a high success rate — rushed cases are where problems happen. Saving the natural tooth is almost always better than the alternative, so we treat this procedure with real care.
We confirm nerve involvement with digital X-rays before recommending a root canal over a filling. We'd rather over-image than under-treat a tooth that could still be saved.
Modern anesthesia techniques keep the procedure comfortable — most patients report less discomfort than expected. If you're still feeling anything, we pause and address it before continuing.
Infected or badly decayed teeth don't wait well, so we prioritize root canal cases for same-week scheduling. We know how miserable this pain can be, which is why we don't make you wait unnecessarily.
We discuss whether a crown is needed after treatment at your very first visit, not as a surprise afterward. Skipping a needed crown is one of the most common reasons a treated tooth fails later.
Every root canal case is a little different depending on which tooth and how advanced the infection is.
Digital X-rays and cold/heat sensitivity testing confirm whether the nerve is infected or just inflamed. This step alone often explains pain patients couldn't previously identify.
An apex locator helps confirm exact canal length, reducing the chance of under- or over-treatment. This is the core of the procedure and where precision matters most.
The cleaned canal is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent reinfection. We confirm the seal with a follow-up X-ray before moving to restoration.
Not every root canal needs this step — we explain when your specific tooth requires it. This step is planned before crown placement, not decided last minute.
A crown protects a root-canal-treated tooth from fracture, since it's more brittle without its nerve supply. Material options are discussed based on which tooth and how much force it takes when chewing.
Retreatment involves reopening the tooth, cleaning it again, and resealing — more involved than the original procedure. We explain honestly whether your specific tooth is still a good save candidate.
We triage by phone to determine how quickly you need to be seen.
Digital X-rays and sensitivity testing confirm whether the nerve is involved and treatment is needed.
We check comfort throughout the procedure rather than assuming the anesthesia is holding.
A crown or filling restores the tooth's strength, with a follow-up to confirm healing.
"They showed me the X-ray and explained exactly why a filling wouldn't be enough. Made the decision easy."
"Crown discussion happened at the first visit, not as a surprise bill after the root canal was already done."
"They checked my numbness twice before starting. Appreciated that they didn't rush it."
"Follow-up X-ray confirmed everything sealed properly. Nice to have that confirmation instead of just hoping."
"Pulp testing before treatment confirmed exactly what was going on. No guessing involved."
We confirm with digital X-rays and sensitivity testing before recommending a root canal over a simpler fix. A filling addresses surface decay; a root canal addresses infection reaching the nerve — imaging tells us which applies.
Modern anesthesia and technique make it far more comfortable than its reputation suggests — most patients report mild discomfort at most. Post-procedure soreness is normal for a few days and manageable with standard pain relief.
Most cases are completed in one to two visits, depending on the tooth and infection severity. Multi-canal back teeth sometimes take longer than single-canal front teeth.
Front teeth sometimes don't need a crown; back teeth that handle more chewing force usually do. We plan crown placement into your treatment timeline from day one.
The infection can spread, cause worsening pain and swelling, and eventually require extraction instead of a save. An untreated infection can also spread beyond the tooth itself in more serious cases.
Cost depends on which tooth and whether a crown is needed — we give a specific quote after diagnosis, not a vague range. Molars with multiple canals typically cost more than single-canal front teeth.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Root Canal Treatment to patients throughout Harlem and neighboring Harlem, GA communities, with same-week availability for urgent cases. Whether it's your first root canal or a retreatment case, our Harlem team handles both in-house.
Licensed, imaging-equipped, and local to Harlem — call and get a real diagnosis.
Call +1-866-227-2801