Root Canal Treatment in Hoschton, GA: What You Need to Know

Root canal treatment is a trusted dental procedure that removes infected pulp to save your natural tooth and restore your oral health. At Traditions Dental in Hoschton, Georgia, we focus on gentle, pain‑free care that keeps you comfortable throughout every step of treatment.

Learn how root canal therapy works, when you may need it, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

What is Root Canal?

A root canal refers to the narrow passages inside a tooth’s roots that contain the dental pulp — soft tissue made up of nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria enter the pulp through deep decay or trauma, the tissue becomes infected, causing pain, sensitivity, and swelling.

If this infection isn’t treated promptly, it can spread beyond the root tip and lead to more serious problems like abscesses. Early root canal treatment can prevent complications and help you keep your natural tooth.

When do you need a Root canal treatment?

Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal treatment is recommended when a tooth’s pulp becomes infected or severely damaged. You may need this procedure if:

Common Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

• Persistent pain or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets

• Sharp or dull pain that doesn’t go away

• Pain lasting more than 30 minutes

• Deep tooth decay visible on exam or X‑ray

• Cracked or chipped tooth

• Pus draining from gums (gum fistula)

• Foul taste or odor in the mouth

• Swelling near the affected tooth

• History of severe pain even if the tooth now feels normal

These symptoms often indicate pulp damage or infection that should be evaluated right away by our team at Traditions Dental.

Learn more about signs you might need root canal therapy in our detailed guide.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

At Traditions Dental, every root canal begins with a thorough exam, including a review of your symptoms, clinical evaluation, and digital X‑rays. Additional tests like cold testing or an electric pulp test help determine the health of the pulp.

Step‑by‑Step Root Canal Process

1. Treatment Planning: We discuss all options so you understand what to expect.

2. Comfort First: On the day of treatment, we numb the area with local anesthesia to keep you relaxed and pain‑free — even if the nerve is already dead.

3. Isolation: A rubber dam is placed to keep the tooth dry, clean, and sterile.

4. Access and Cleaning: We remove decayed enamel and access the pulp chamber. Using precision files and irrigants like sodium hypochlorite, we clean and shape the canals.

5. Filling: The canals are sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection.

6. Temporary Restoration: A temporary filling protects the tooth until your next visit, when we place a permanent restoration — usually a dental crown — for strength and function.

This process helps preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible while eliminating infection.

After Your Root Canal Treatment

What to Expect

• Your mouth may remain numb for a few hours.

• Some mild discomfort or tenderness is normal and can be managed with over‑the‑counter pain relievers.

• Avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is placed.

Maintaining good oral hygiene — brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular dental check‑ups every six months — supports long‑term success.

Need tips on caring for your smile after treatment? Visit our oral hygiene tips blog.

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?

Most root canal appointments in Hoschton take about 30–90 minutes, depending on the tooth and complexity of the infection. Some cases require a single visit, while others may need two or more.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

Contrary to common myths, root canal therapy is not painful. In fact, it often relieves pain caused by infection. With modern anesthesia and techniques, most patients report minimal discomfort.

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction

Saving your natural tooth is usually the best option for oral health. Root canal treatment conserves the tooth structure and supports gum and jawbone health. When a tooth is too damaged to save, extraction may be necessary, followed by replacement options like:

• Dental implants

• Bridges

Dr. Nick will help you choose the solution that fits your needs and goals.

Success Rate of Root Canal Therapy

Root canal treatment is highly successful, with success rates typically above 90–97% when done properly.² If a treated tooth develops new issues later, retreatment or minor surgical procedures can often help.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you have questions about root canal treatment, call us today 706-658-2383. If you have any additional questions about your oral hygiene, please feel free to contact us at Traditions Dental. To learn more about Traditions Dental visit our About Us page. For more tips and information feel free to follow us on social media on IG @traditionsdental and Facebook @traditionsdental.