Root Canal Therapy

A tooth’s nerve and pulp can become compromised due to deep decay, an abscess, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or a traumatic incident to the tooth.

Our dentists are committed to saving your teeth from extraction whenever possible. 

There are many reasons for needing a root canal (endodontic) treatment. In many cases, your regular dental check up will reveal inflamed, infected or dead pulp before you experience the discomfort that can be associated with the damage.

Pain is the most common symptom of needing a root canal. You may also experience darkening of the tooth, or swelling and tenderness in nearby gums. If the tooth is still alive, it will experience prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, or it may start to hurt suddenly for no apparent reason. If the tooth is dead and has become abscessed, you will feel pain when you chew or put pressure on the tooth.

How is a root canal therapy performed? 

• First you will receive some freezing
• To protect your tooth from bacteria in your saliva during the treatment, the dentist places a rubber dam around the tooth being treated
• A small opening is made to reach the canals in your tooth to access the damaged pulp
• Using very fine dental instruments, the pulp of the tooth is removed and all the canals and pulp chamber of the tooth are cleaned
• The opening of the tooth is then sealed with either a temporary or permanent filling
• In most cases, teeth that have had a root canal procedure will require a crown

What happens if I just leave an abscessed tooth? 

Left untreated, an abscess may develop and will continue to grow and infect the bone around the root of the tooth, spreading into surrounding bone and tissues. Antibiotics can help keep the infection from spreading, but the only way to eliminate the infection is by performing a root canal treatment, cleaning out all the dead tissue and bacteria inside the pulp chamber and root canals.

The pulp affects the tooth’s feeling to hot or cold, but it isn’t required for the tooth to remain functional in a healthy mouth. Most teeth can be saved with a root canal treatment and with good dental hygiene, will last as long as the rest of your teeth.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, please contact our office to book an appointment, as this may be a symptom of tooth pulp damage. Request Appointment

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