Yes. “Root canal specialist” is a common term patients use. The specialty name is endodontist, a dental specialist trained to diagnose tooth pain and perform root canal treatment, retreatment, and microsurgery when indicated.

We determine the cause using symptoms, clinical testing (such as percussion and cold testing), and diagnostic imaging. Some pain is caused by bite trauma, cracks, or other teeth, so diagnosis-first helps avoid unnecessary treatment and identifies the most appropriate plan.

Timing depends on tooth condition and your dentist’s plan. Many back teeth benefit from cuspal coverage (often a crown) to reduce fracture risk. Your general dentist will finalize restoration timing; we coordinate and provide recommendations based on findings.

Biting pain can be caused by inflammation of the ligament, a high bite, a crack, or persistent infection. An evaluation helps identify the cause and determine whether observation, bite adjustment, root canal treatment, retreatment, or another plan is most appropriate.

Not always. CBCT may be recommended when clinically appropriate to clarify anatomy, evaluate suspected cracks, plan retreatment, or assess certain infection patterns. Many cases can be managed with standard diagnostic imaging.

We provide urgent evaluations for severe tooth pain, swelling, and suspected infection when available. If symptoms are severe, call so we can triage urgency and schedule the earliest appropriate visit. See our emergency guidance here: Emergency endodontic evaluation.

Timing varies by tooth type, anatomy, and diagnosis. Front teeth are often simpler than molars, and retreatment may take longer than initial treatment. After your evaluation, we can estimate timing based on the specific tooth and findings, and explain whether treatment is likely to be completed in one visit or staged over more than one visit.

Many patients experience significant relief once the inflamed or infected tissue is addressed, but some soreness afterward is normal, especially if the tooth was painful or infected before treatment. Discomfort should trend toward improvement. Worsening swelling, fever, drainage, or rapidly escalating pain should be evaluated promptly.

Not always. Antibiotics are typically used when there are signs of spreading infection (such as significant facial swelling, fever, or systemic symptoms) or when medically indicated. Many localized dental infections are best treated by addressing the source (root canal therapy, drainage when indicated, or extraction by the appropriate provider). We determine the appropriate approach after evaluation.

In many cases, yes. An abscess can often be managed with root canal treatment or retreatment when the tooth is restorable and the anatomy and prognosis are favorable. The key is diagnosing the source, evaluating restorability, and planning definitive treatment. If the infection is severe or spreading, urgent care may be needed.

A crowned tooth can still need a root canal if the nerve becomes inflamed or infected, or if a prior root canal fails. We evaluate the tooth with testing and imaging to determine whether treatment is indicated. Access to the canals is typically made through the crown when appropriate, and we coordinate with your general dentist regarding restoration considerations afterward.

Intermittent pain can still represent a progressing problem, including cracks or pulpal inflammation. Some infections can become less painful as the nerve deteriorates, which can be misleading. If symptoms recur, linger, or worsen, an evaluation is recommended so you can understand the cause and avoid delays that may reduce tooth-saving options.

A redo root canal is called root canal retreatment. It may be considered when a previously treated tooth has persistent symptoms, recurrent infection, or certain restoration-related issues that allow bacteria to re-enter the canal system. We evaluate restorability, anatomy, and expected prognosis, and discuss retreatment versus alternatives when appropriate.

Cracks vary widely, and treatment depends on crack location and depth, symptoms, and restorability. Some cracks can be managed with restoration and stabilization, while others have a guarded prognosis. An endodontic evaluation can help determine whether root canal treatment may relieve symptoms and whether the tooth is likely to be restorable, in coordination with your general dentist.

Usually, yes, with some precautions. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until numbness wears off and until your dentist completes the final restoration, especially for back teeth. If a temporary filling is present, hard or sticky foods can dislodge it. We provide aftercare guidance tailored to your situation.

A temporary filling is meant to protect the tooth between visits or until final restoration. If it falls out or feels loose, avoid chewing on that tooth and contact your dentist or our office promptly for guidance. A compromised seal can increase reinfection risk, so timely evaluation and repair is recommended.