Root canal therapy has a reputation it doesn't deserve. For decades it's been shorthand for something painful and dreaded— but the procedure itself is not the problem. An untreated infection is. Root canal therapy is how you resolve that infection, save the tooth, and get back to normal. At Elevated Dentistry, Dr. Bottorff approaches every root canal with the same precision and care he brings to every procedure— calm, thorough, and focused on the best possible outcome for your tooth and your health.
What Root Canal Therapy Actually Is
When decay or damage reaches the pulp of a tooth— the soft tissue inside containing nerves and blood vessels— infection can set in. Left untreated, that infection (the real culprit) causes pain, can spread, and ultimately threatens the tooth itself. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp, cleans the canals, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection. A crown is typically placed afterward to restore the tooth's full strength and function.
It's a procedure designed to save a tooth that might otherwise be lost— and in most cases, a tooth worth saving is worth the effort.
What It's Not
Root canal therapy has accumulated a lot of myth and misinformation over the years. If you've heard concerning things and aren't sure what to believe, that's a good conversation to have with Dr. Bottorff— he'll give you straightforward information and help you understand what the procedure actually involves.
Precision at Every Step
At Elevated Dentistry, every root canal begins with a CBCT 3D X-ray— a detailed, three-dimensional image of the tooth and surrounding structures that allows Dr. Bottorff to plan treatment with a level of precision traditional X-rays alone can't provide. Understanding the exact anatomy of the tooth before starting means fewer surprises and better outcomes.
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward it is— the discomfort associated with a root canal is almost always from the infection, not the treatment.
A Note on Complexity and Referrals
Many root canal cases can be treated right here at Elevated Dentistry. Occasionally, unusual tooth anatomy— an extra canal, split roots, or other structural complexities— makes a specialist the most appropriate choice. In those situations, Dr. Bottorff will refer you to a trusted endodontist and ensure continuity of your care. Either way, you'll leave your appointment with a clear plan.
What to Expect
Following root canal therapy, a crown is commonly recommended to protect and restore the tooth— Dr. Bottorff will discuss that as part of your overall treatment plan.
Like any dental procedure, root canal therapy is not guaranteed. Some teeth respond well; others may require retreatment down the road. Not every tooth is saveable once completed or retreated, and Dr. Bottorff will give you an honest assessment of your specific situation before treatment begins.
Have a painful tooth or think you might need a root canal? Call 434-218-4765 or book your appointment online— Dr. Bottorff will evaluate your situation and walk you through your options honestly.