What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure in which your dentist removes diseased material from the interior of a damaged tooth (blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues). Damaged teeth will die without a root canal and will then need to be extracted.
Your dentist will begin by removing the diseased tissue from the tooth. They will then clean and disinfect the inner chamber before filling it with medicated material to prevent infection. To complete the procedure, the tooth is usually capped with a dental restoration, such as a dental crown.
Why a Root Canal May Be Recommended
A root canal can often help relieve your symptoms while also saving your natural tooth. The procedure also reduces the need for future extensive dental work.
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 root canal patients experience little discomfort or pain and walk away with a restored tooth. Further, most root canal-treated teeth 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 can diagnose the issue, and determine treatment.
- Severe toothache pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Swelling and/or tenderness