What Is a Root Canal?
When tooth decay or injury reaches the inner pulp, a root canal could be essential to save your natural tooth and prevent extraction. At Endodontic Associates of East Alabama in Auburn, AL, we perform root canal therapy to remove infected pulp, disinfect the tooth's interior, and seal it to restore function and health. Our lead practitioner, Dr. William Looney, is an experienced root canal specialist who prioritizes patient comfort and education, ensuring a calm experience while preserving your smile. If you're experiencing persistent pain, sensitivity, or swelling, contact our East Alabama endodontic practice to learn how root canal therapy can alleviate discomfort and protect your oral health.
How Do You Perform Root Canals?
We'll start your root canal procedure by numbing the tooth with local anesthesia, which will help you remain pain-free and comfortable throughout your appointment. For anxious patients, we offer sedation options to further ease your experience. Once the area is numb, we will place a protective barrier to isolate the tooth. Dr. Looney will then create a small opening in the tooth's crown to access and remove the infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels). He will carefully shape and disinfect the inner canals before sealing them with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection. Finally, he will place a temporary filling to protect the tooth during healing.
A root canal at Endodontic Associates of East Alabama typically takes 60 – 90 minutes, with most cases completed in a single visit. Dr. Looney works efficiently to prioritize patient comfort while ensuring thorough treatment, even for complex cases that may require additional appointments. Most patients resume daily activities the same day as their root canal procedure, with mild soreness or sensitivity around the treated tooth lasting 1 – 3 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are typically sufficient to manage any discomfort.
What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy at Endodontic Associates of East Alabama focuses on relieving pain, saving your natural tooth, and restoring oral health. The benefits of root canal treatment include:
- Relieves pain and swelling
- Preserves your natural tooth
- Stops infection from spreading
- Restores comfortable chewing and speaking
- Prevents bone loss
- Maintains natural smile aesthetics
Root Canal Therapy Reviews
Dr. Loony put me at ease the minute I got in the chair! I was very nervous and didn't know what to expect. I went for a root canal on a front tooth, due to an injury. I ended up having 2 root canals, on both of the front teeth. I didn't feel any pain! Very professional staff that answered all of my questions too. Highly recommend!
My dentist did a root canal about 20 years ago and for some reason it went bad and he recommended that I see a specialist because of the difficulty of redoing one. I choose Dr. Looney from my dentist's recommendation and because his practice accepted my Southland Dental Insurance. The Dr. and his assistants did a great job, my root canal went fine, and my insurance covered the entire amount due, I was even refunded the co-pay. I hope I never need another one, but if I do I will see Dr Looney.
I had to have a root canal and my dentist referred me to Dr. Looney. Very apprehensive about the visit, but it had to be. The nurse was very comforting and calming. I'm not saying I want another root canal tomorrow, but I was the most relaxed I've ever been during this type of procedure and I've had a few. Once I was numb Dr. Looney went to work and it seemed like he only took about 5 minutes, I'm sure it took longer. I highly recommend Dr. Looney and his staff.
This doctor is very caring. He went above and beyond to get my pain under control. I had one root canal and continued to have pain. He saw me (without a scheduled appointment) and did another root canal on a tooth next to the first infected one. I am praying this will resolve the issues but if not, it is certainly not a reflection on Dr. Looney. He has thorough, quick and most of all, compassionate. The office personnel were great as well.
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Root Canal Specialists in Auburn, AL
Persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling can indicate infection or damage requiring immediate care. At Endodontic Associates of East Alabama in Auburn, AL, we provide root canal therapy to safely remove infected pulp, stop bacterial spread, and preserve your natural tooth. Dr. Looney combines advanced clinical expertise with a commitment to patient comfort, ensuring your treatment is efficient, effective, and tailored to your needs. Don't let dental pain compromise your quality of life — schedule a consultation today to restore your oral health and protect your smile's future.