Why a Root Canal May Be Recommended
The goal of a root canal is to remove decay and bacteria from the inner tooth. By doing this, your dentist can help stop the spread of infection and restore the healthy portion of the tooth.
A root canal treatment will help relieve your symptoms and can save your natural tooth. The procedure also limits the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
Most patients who have root canals experience little discomfort or pain, and end up with a restored tooth. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.
The Root Canal Procedure
- During a root canal procedure, your dentist removes diseased material (blood vessels, nerves and other tissues) from the interior of a damaged tooth.
- Next, they will clean and disinfect the inner chamber and fill it with medicated material to protect the tooth from infection. Throughout the treatment, your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you feel comfortable.
- At the end of the procedure, the tooth is generally capped with a dental restoration, such as a dental crown.
Without a root canal, a tooth with infected pulp will die and need to be pulled.
Signs You Need a Root Canal
If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms below, contact us. Our dental team can diagnose the issue, and determine treatment.
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Swelling and/or tenderness