Home/Services/Emergency Care/Limited Root Canals
Emergency Care

Save the tooth, lose the pain.

A root canal has a worse reputation than it deserves. When a tooth is infected deep inside, the procedure removes the infection, ends the pain, and saves the tooth so you keep it.

Make an Appointment→ Call (205) 655-7061
Take a Breath

Easier than its reputation.

If the words root canal made your stomach drop, take a breath. That reputation comes from decades ago, not from what actually happens in this office. When decay or a crack reaches the nerve inside a tooth, the tissue becomes infected, and that is the throbbing, wake-you-up-at-night kind of pain. A root canal treats the source so you keep your tooth and lose the pain.

We make sure you are completely numb, clean out the infected tissue, disinfect the inside of the tooth, and seal it. You are welcome to nitrous oxide if nerves are part of the picture, and you set the pace. Nobody rushes you here.

One honest note about who does what. Dr. Toups performs root canal therapy on front teeth that have not been treated before, because that is where she can promise you her best work. Back teeth and retreatments go to a trusted endodontist who does root canals all day, every day. Either way, you leave with the right person doing the right job.

"That was way easier than I expected."

The sentence we hear most often after a root canal

What To Expect

How it works, step by step.

1

Numb thoroughly

We make sure the tooth is fully numb before we begin. Nitrous oxide is available for anxious patients.

2

Clean and disinfect

We remove the infected tissue from inside the tooth and disinfect the canal completely.

3

Seal and protect

We fill and seal the tooth. In most cases we then place a crown to protect it long-term.

Why it matters.

  • Ends the pain of an infected tooth
  • Saves your natural tooth instead of extracting it
  • More comfortable than its reputation, with proper numbing
  • Protects the surrounding teeth and bone
Common Questions

Good to know.

Does a root canal hurt?
The procedure relieves pain, it does not cause it. With thorough numbing, most patients feel little to nothing during treatment and significant relief afterward.
How do I know if I need one?
Lingering pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that does not fade, swelling, or a darkening tooth can all be signs. Call us and we will get you seen.
What happens after?
We usually place a crown to protect the treated tooth so it can function normally for years. We will explain the full timeline in your case.
Will Dr. Toups do my root canal?
For front teeth that have not been treated before, yes. For back teeth and retreatments, she refers you to a trusted endodontist, a specialist who does root canals all day. She will tell you plainly which is right for your tooth.

Ready to take care of it?

Dr. Toups is accepting new patients in Trussville. Book online or call and we will get you scheduled.

Make Appointment→ Call (205) 655-7061