What is a Root Canal?
Root Canal treatment is the preferred treatment option when a tooth has an infected nerve. It is the only option to save the tooth. A root canal is very similar to a filling, but it goes a step further and removes the infected or inflamed pulp and nerve of the tooth. This allows your dental team to restore and save your tooth from extraction.
Advances in dentistry and local anesthetics have made it possible to have little to no pain with a root canal. Regular dental check-ups can catch early decay before a root canal becomes necessary.
Root Canal Procedure
- X-Rays are taken of the affected tooth
- Local anesthesia is give
- The tooth is isolated to keep it dry
- A small hole is made through the tooth to remove the diseased pulp (Pulpectomy)
- The space is filled with a sealer and the hole is filled in
- A crown is placed over the tooth to restore its appearance and protect it
Signs & Symptoms
- An abscess on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Tooth pain
- Swelling or tenderness
- Occasionally no symptoms are present