Why a Root Canal May Be Recommended
A root canal treatment is often recommended to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and preserve your natural tooth. When the inner pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, prompt treatment is important to prevent the issue from worsening or spreading to surrounding teeth and tissues.
During a root canal, your dentist removes the infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth and its roots. This helps stop the progression of infection while allowing the remaining healthy structure of the tooth to be restored. Saving your natural tooth not only maintains your smile’s appearance but also helps preserve proper chewing function and alignment.
Many people associate root canals with discomfort, but modern techniques and anesthesia make the procedure much more comfortable than expected. In fact, most patients experience significant relief from pain once the infection or nerve irritation has been treated. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can remain strong for a lifetime.
The Root Canal Procedure
A root canal is a procedure where your dentist removes diseased material (blood vessels, nerves and other tissues) from the interior of a damaged or infected tooth. Often the only other option at this stage would be to have the tooth extracted.
Your dentist will begin by removing the diseased tissue from the tooth. Next, they will clean and disinfect the inner chamber and fill it with medicated material to help prevent infection. To finish the procedure, the tooth is generally restored with a dental restoration, such as a filling and/or a dental crown.
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