What Is Root canal therapy?
Dentist Grants Pass
Root canal therapy is a restorative dental procedure used to save a tooth that has become severely infected or inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, or cracks. The treatment targets the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, which is carefully removed to stop the spread of infection and relieve pain. Once the pulp is removed, the root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and prevent reinfection.
To complete the process, the empty canals are sealed, and a temporary filling may be placed. In most cases, the tooth is later restored with a custom crown to reinforce strength, function, and aesthetics. Local anesthesia is used to ensure the procedure is comfortable, and most patients find that root canal therapy offers fast relief from pain while preserving their natural tooth. Retaining the original tooth helps maintain normal chewing ability, natural appearance, and alignment with surrounding teeth. This treatment offers a highly successful, long-term solution for saving compromised teeth and avoiding extraction.
Why Trust Dr. Niklaus Spendlove?
Dentist Grants Pass
Dr. Niklaus Spendlove offers root canal therapy with a focus on patient comfort, precision, and long-term results. With advanced training in endodontic procedures and years of clinical experience, he uses modern diagnostic tools and the latest techniques to ensure that every step of your treatment is accurate and effective. His careful, methodical approach helps preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible while eliminating infection and pain.
Patients appreciate Dr. Spendlove’s compassionate chairside manner and clear communication. He takes time to explain the diagnosis, outline the treatment plan, and answer questions thoroughly so you feel confident and informed. Even patients who are nervous about dental care find comfort in his gentle, supportive approach. Each case is customized to your needs, and follow-up care is always prioritized to ensure proper healing. His commitment to excellence and patient well-being makes him a trusted choice for those seeking reliable relief from tooth pain while preserving their natural smile.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Dentist Grants Pass
Preserves Natural Teeth
Root canal treatment allows you to keep your original tooth, preserving its structure and preventing the need for extraction. Maintaining your natural teeth supports long-term dental function, appearance, and alignment.
Relieves Pain
By removing infected pulp and eliminating nerve irritation, root canal therapy quickly alleviates severe tooth pain and sensitivity. It restores comfort so you can eat, speak, and smile without discomfort.
Prevents Further Damage
Treating infection early with a root canal helps stop bacteria from spreading to adjacent teeth or bone. This preventive approach protects your oral health and reduces the risk of future complications.
What Our Patients Have to Say
Root Canal Tooth Survival and Healing Outcomes
Teeth Retained 8 Years After Initial Root Canal Treatment
97
Initial Root Canal Treatment Survival at 5 Years
90.85
Root Canal Retreatment Survival at 5 Years
88.42
CBCT-Assessed Tooth Healing Under Broader Criteria
87
CBCT-Assessed Root Healing Under Broader Criteria
84
CBCT-Assessed Tooth Success Under Broader Criteria
85
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| Root Canal Treatment Finding | Percentage | What the Percentage Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Teeth retained 8 years after initial treatment | 97% | A large Journal of Endodontics study reported that 97% of teeth remained in the mouth eight years after initial nonsurgical root canal treatment. |
| Initial root canal treatment survival at 5 years | 90.85% | A population-based cohort study reported that 90.85% of teeth receiving initial root canal treatment survived for five years. |
| Root canal retreatment survival at 5 years | 88.42% | The same study reported a five-year tooth survival rate of 88.42% following nonsurgical root canal retreatment. |
| CBCT-assessed tooth healing under broader criteria | 87% | A systematic review found an 87% pooled healing rate when complete and partial radiographic healing were included. |
| CBCT-assessed root healing under broader criteria | 84% | When individual roots were evaluated under the same broader criteria, the pooled healing rate was 84%. |
| CBCT-assessed tooth success under broader criteria | 85% | The pooled tooth-level success rate was 85% when the review allowed complete or partial radiographic healing. |
Sources: Salehrabi R, Rotstein I. “Endodontic Treatment Outcomes in a Large Patient Population in the USA: An Epidemiological Study.” Journal of Endodontics. 2004;30(12):846-850. Kwak Y, Choi J, Kim K, Shin SJ, Kim S, Kim E. “The 5-Year Survival Rate of Nonsurgical Endodontic Treatment: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Korea.” Journal of Endodontics. 2019;45(10):1192-1199. Martins JFB, Georgiou AC, Nunes PD, et al. “CBCT-Assessed Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Primary Endodontic Treatment and Retreatment.” Journal of Endodontics. 2025;51(6):687-706.
What Grants Pass Patients Should Know About Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment addresses the inside of a tooth
The procedure treats inflamed, infected, or damaged pulp tissue within the tooth and its root canals.
The treatment is designed to preserve the tooth
Removing the affected pulp can allow a restorable natural tooth to remain in the mouth instead of being extracted.
Diagnosis requires more than symptoms alone
Dr. Spendlove may use an examination, dental X-rays, sensitivity testing, and biting tests to identify the source of the problem.
The canal system is cleaned and sealed
After the pulp is removed, the internal spaces are shaped, disinfected, filled, and sealed to reduce the risk of additional contamination.
A final restoration protects the treated tooth
Depending on its location and remaining structure, the tooth may require a filling or crown after root canal treatment.
Follow-up care remains important
The dental team monitors the tooth, surrounding tissues, restoration, and patient’s symptoms after treatment.
Read Our 5-Star Reviews
Dentist Grants Pass
“I recommend root canal treatment when the tissue inside a tooth is inflamed or infected and the tooth can reasonably be preserved. My goal is to remove the affected tissue, clean and seal the canal system, relieve the source of discomfort, and restore the tooth for continued function.”
Dr. Niklaus Spendlove
Questions Grants Pass Dental Patients Ask
Why might a tooth need root canal treatment?
A root canal may be needed when the dental pulp becomes inflamed, infected, or irreversibly damaged because of deep decay, a crack, trauma, repeated dental procedures, or another problem.
What happens during root canal treatment?
Dr. Spendlove accesses the inside of the tooth, removes the affected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, disinfects the space, and seals it. A temporary or permanent restoration is then placed according to the treatment plan.
Does every toothache require a root canal?
No. Tooth pain can result from decay, a fracture, gum disease, bite pressure, sensitivity, or other causes. An examination is necessary to determine the source and appropriate treatment.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Some tenderness may occur after treatment, but the procedure is intended to address the inflamed or infected tissue causing the problem.
Why might the tooth need a crown after root canal treatment?
A crown may be recommended when the tooth has lost substantial structure or needs additional protection from biting forces. Back teeth often require more reinforcement than front teeth.
What should a patient do if the tooth hurts after treatment?
Temporary tenderness can occur, but the patient should contact Spendlove Dental if pain is severe, worsens, persists unexpectedly, or occurs with swelling, fever, drainage, or damage to the temporary restoration.