Why a Root Canal May Be Recommended
A root canal is used by your dentist to remove decayed or diseased tissue from the interior of your tooth. If left untreated, the decay can lead to the need for more extensive dental work, such as a tooth extraction.
The goal of a root canal procedure is to relieve your symptoms and save your natural tooth. An added bonus is that by preventing infection and decay from spreading, you limit the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
Most patients experience little discomfort or pain during the procedure, and with proper care, the treated tooth can last a lifetime.
The Root Canal Procedure
A root canal is a procedure where your dentist removes material such as blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues that are diseased from inside of a damaged tooth. If not properly taken care of, the damaged tooth will die and need to be extracted.
The procedure will begin with your dentist removing this decayed tissue from your tooth. Then, they will clean and disinfect the inner chamber and fill it with medicated material to prevent infection. To finish off, your dentist will cap the tooth using a dental restoration, such as a crown or a filling.
Signs You May 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