Endodontics (Root Canal)

Has your dentist told you that you need root canal treatment? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal, or endodontic, treatment.

To understand a root canal procedure, it helps to know about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues, and helps to grow the root of your tooth during development. In a fully developed tooth, the tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

Root Canal Graphic
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Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth. Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

Root canal before photo
Before Root Canal
Root canal during photo
During Root Canal
Root canal after photo
After Root Canal
How Does it Work?
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During root canal treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the side of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

Contrary to jokes about the matter, modern root canal treatment is very similar to having a routine filling and usually can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. You can expect a comfortable experience during and after your appointment.

Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages:

  • Efficient chewing
  • Normal biting force sensation
  • Natural appearance
  • Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain

Endodontic treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limit the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last as long as other natural teeth and often for a lifetime.

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Very happy with my care at this office. I have not had a hygienist or dentist at this office that hasn’t treated me very compassionately and professionally. Have been a patient here over 30 years!

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Teeth look amazing!!! I would highly recommend Oswego Dental Group if you are looking to have work done!

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Super friendly and very professional. My whole family have been patients there for many years. Wouldn’t think of going anywhere else.

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I have been going to Oswego Dental Group for years. They are excellent. Pam has been my hygienist and she is thorough, extremely professional and very kind. My family and I highly recommend this dental office.

- Wendy K. 04/11/2022

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Another great experience from the Oswego Dental Group! Jen took great care of my teeth, they have never looked so white! Everyone was super friendly and made sure I was comfortable through my whole visit. See you in 6 months!

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Our family has been seen by this practice for many years. Always professional and thorough. They have taken great care of us! Highly recommend!

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Dr. Milazzo and Dr. MacDonald are awesome!! So glad I found them after I moved to their area. They are the best. Pam cleans my teeth and she is wonderful, painless too! They take very good care of my teeth! If you are looking for a new Dentist and a good office, then this place is for you!

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Dr Milazzo, Sally and the whole staff are the best. THE BEST. I was a mess and had been in pain for a long time before finally finding Dr. Milazzo. I spent a lot of time and a lot of money going to another dentist that just kept making everything worse…I was literally living on protien drinks because it hurt too much to chew. It took a little time (I needed a lot of work done) but Dr Milazzo fixed everything and I can finally eat again. I’m forever grateful for Oswego Dental Group and would without hesitation recommend them.

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Great experience! Amy did a great job cleaning my teeth and Dr. MacDonald was also professional and very thorough and helped me understand what treatment options were available to me. I highly recommend this dental practice!

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Oswego Dental Group has a staff of kind and caring hygienists and the entire staff does a great job of keeping the entire office clean and safe for people coming in as well as for themselves.

- Karen A. 12/28/2020

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Dr. Milazzo’s dental office is fabulous!!! Very patient friendly!! Sally my dental hygienist is awesome!! Very personable, thorough and gentle!! I love the way you feel after a cleaning! I would not go anywhere else!!

- Cheryl K. 09/22/2020

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I have been a dental patient at the Oswego Dental Group for nearly 15 years and have always been very happy with the care that I have received. Dr MacDonald and all of the hygienists I have ever had are fantastic people and do a great job on my teeth! Love coming here!

- Susan E. 08/18/2020

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Very friendly staff and professional. Always a great experience.

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Always a great experience.

- John S. 02/09/2020

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I love going to my dentist! For 13 years I have never been disappointed and I greatly appreciate how personable and kind the Hygenists have always been! Today my visit was with Pam. I appreciate the time she took to ask how My family and I were going. Dr, MacDonald also took the time to explain a small upcoming procedure I would be having and in doing so put my doubts at ease! Thank you!!!!

- Jeanne P. 02/08/2020

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Best dentist experience. Everyone from the receptionist to Dr Milazzo and Dr Macdonald are very friendly. Pam is an amazing dental hygienist. She is absolutely fantastic. Extremely thorough and friendly. I’m sure everyone is great as well but I’ve only had the pleasure of having my teeth cleaned by Pam and have no need to search elsewhere. Thanks everyone at Oswego Dental Group for making my dental visit a good one.

- Ryan I. 08/17/2019