What is a Root Canal?
Root canals are procedures where your dentist removes disease materials such as nerves, tissues and blood vessels from the interior of a damaged or infected tooth. Without a root canal, damaged teeth will die and require extraction.
Your dentist will start the root canal process by removing diseased tissue from your tooth. They will then clean and disinfect the entire inner chamber of the tooth and fill it with medical materials to prevent infection. To finish the procedure, the tooth will generally be capped with a dental restoration like a crown.
Why a Root Canal May Be Recommended
Root canal treatments can help to relieve your symptoms and save your natural tooth. This procedure also limits the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
By removing the decay and bacteria from the inner tooth, your dentist can help halt the spread of infection and restore the healthy portion of the tooth.
Most of our patients who have root canals experience very little discomfort or pain and will often end up with a restored tooth. With proper care, many teeth that have had root canals can last a lifetime.
Signs You Need a Root Canal
If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms below, contact us. Our dental team will be able to diagnose the issue and determine treatment.
- Severe toothache pain
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Swelling and/or tenderness
- Sensitivity to hot and cold