If you have an infected tooth or a nerve in your tooth is in pain, then you may need a root canal.
Root canals are an important procedure to save badly damaged or infected teeth. You often hear the phrase “root canal” used because the treatment involves cleaning the canals inside a tooth’s root.
Dentistry has evolved tremendously to make teeth treatment much easier. Previously, the pain during a root canal was intense, but these days it’s much more manageable thanks to advances such as anesthesia and new technology.
A root canal is a procedure where the nerve and pulp of a tooth are removed and replaced with an artificial filling. A root canal is typically performed when a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, but it can also be done as a preventive measure if your dentist sees any damage to the inside of the tooth.
Root canals are an excellent way to save your teeth. If you have an infected tooth or a nerve in your tooth is in pain, then you may need a root canal. Root canals are performed by a dentist to remove the pulp of the tooth, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It is often necessary if infection or swelling of the nerve occurs.
Root canals are performed when the nerve in your tooth is in pain. The dentist will start by numbing your tooth. They then drill into the root of the infected tooth, disinfect it and fill it with a filling material or crown. If you have an infected or hurting nerve in your tooth, then you may need a root canal.
This procedure is often used to save the tooth and alleviate the pain. An endodontist will carefully remove all of the infected nerves and tissue from the root canals of your teeth and replace them with a filling (usually gutta-percha). The final step of this process is to seal off the area.
Teeth are different from other parts of the body because there is limited blood supply to the center of each tooth. Therefore, if infected, the center of a tooth cannot benefit from the cells in the blood that cause healing, and the infection inside the tooth will persist.
The only way to remove the infection is by accessing the center of the tooth and its roots and thoroughly cleaning them out. This is called a root canal treatment.
Once the center of the tooth and roots are cleaned from top to bottom, these areas are then filled with filling material. This procedure removes the infection and allows for proper healing of the tooth.
It is often preferred to save a tooth if possible instead of removing it, because there is nothing that feels more natural than your own teeth.
Since the root canal is at the center of the tooth, it can be difficult to know whether you need a root canal or not. Luckily, there are dental professionals who specialize in extracting this type of tooth infection. Please contact us about whether or not you should get a root canal treatment.
We use very modern techniques that ensure a faster and better quality root canal treatment. Also, just like all procedures we provide, we will make sure you have a good experience!
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Michelle LaburayOctober 15, 2026
The staff and dentists are all very professional, always friendly, and helpful for myself and my family. My 9 year enjoys going to the dentist and we we have nothing but great things to say about everyone. We would recommend them anyone, of all ages, we have had cavities filled, crowns, and just cleanings, they do a great job!![]()
Carol BookoutOctober 14, 2026
I very highly recommend Lance Family Dental. I received great care from both my hygienist, Angela, and Dr. Lance. They were both very personable. The office staff is also very kind and helpful. Their new building is very spacious and nice.![]()
Kate KraftOctober 14, 2026
Love this office and would recommend! Always met with smiling faces & friendly staff and they are great at accommodating for busy schedules!![]()
Michelle HillisOctober 14, 2026
I absolutely love my dentist! Dr Lance is professional and makes you feel comfortable. Stephanie my hygienist on this visit was very friendly and my teeth feel amazing. I would highly recommend Lance Family Dental!![]()
KHM - Project Salty FrogOctober 13, 2026
Brand new facility, super nice - excellent care.![]()
Spencer GardnerOctober 9, 2026
Highly recommend! It’s very convenient that I can schedule myself and the kids at the same time for our cleanings. Dr. Bumberry was amazing with my daughter for an appointment to fix a cavity![]()
MonicaSeptember 9, 2026
"Best dental experience I have ever had. The office is spotless, the hygienist was gentle and thorough. The front desk staff is also super professional and helpful with reminders.![]()
Melody StewartSeptember 8, 2026
Lance Family dental is a welcoming office! Everyone goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. Professional, thorough, and genuinely caring. I highly recommend them!![]()
Amanda HAugust 28, 2026
The ladies at this office are truly wonderful. I was a new patient and there was a bit of a wait to get in - but now I understand why. They are kind, empathetic, and answered all my questions and/or concerns with professionalism. Up-to-date tools/technology as well. A well-managed dental office and I highly recommend them.![]()
Prudence WillardAugust 27, 2026
Such a wonderful caring staff. Dr. Lance and his team are amazing!![]()
Cathy TourvilleAugust 23, 2026
Very Friendly and professional staff at Lance Family Dentistry.![]()
Joseph LuckAugust 22, 2026
My kids love Lance Family. Lance Family has super friendly staff and you can pick a show to watch while you lay back.![]()
Tracy Paul Trahan (Paul)August 15, 2026
Very professional staff. Effectively and efficiently processed new patient application.![]()
AndyFZ6RAugust 12, 2026
Great family dentist office, nice staff, friendly text reminders for appointments. New office coming soon to be able to help more families with dental needs, Angela is the most thorough dental hygienist I've ever had and makes it easy to recomend people to Lance family dental.![]()
Ann AdamsAugust 8, 2026
This place is the best! My first visit they made me feel so comfortable. They asked me questions about me, trying to get to know me. They explained everything they were doing. And there was a tv on the ceiling to watch while my teeth were getting cleaned! I definitely recommend!!!!![]()
Tammra WhiteAugust 6, 2026
I love how friendly the entire staff are!! They make you feel comfortable and are very skilled and thorough at what they do!!![]()
Kelly WithingtonAugust 4, 2026
Finally I am comfortable at the dentist.
Voted Best of Jefferson County Winner in 2025 and recognized as a Finalist in 2026.
We’re honored to be recognized for the quality of care we provide and the trust of our community.