Root Canal Therapy

When teeth are damaged due to infection, decay or breakage, root canal therapy is often necessary. A root canal involves accessing a tooth and removing its nerve system. The tooth is then sealed up and restored in whatever means is best for that specific situation.

How Root Canal Therapy Saves The Tooth

During root canal therapy, the affected nerve of the tooth is removed and the canal is clean and disinfected. The space where the nerve once was is then filled with gutta-percha material and the tooth is sealed up and protected with a filling or crown, depending on the situation. After the treatment, the tooth will simply function as it did before.

Contrary to what many people believe, root canals relieve pain and are actually quite routine. With modern technology and anesthetics, the treatment we know today is no more uncomfortable than having a simple filling completed.

Also, depending on the condition of your tooth, the treatment can be finished in one to two appointments.

A Root Canal May Be Necessary When…

You’re experiencing a toothache. Pain is the most common symptom of nerve damage. You may experience extreme sensitivity to hot or cold, which will continue to be uncomfortable after the stimulus is removed from the tooth.

The tooth has become abscessed. An abscess forms when the nerve of the tooth dies and an infection forms around the end of the tooth. A gum bump may also be present.

Tooth decay reaches the nerve. In this scenario, the tooth can become painful due to the presence of bacteria in and around the nerve.

Root canal therapy allows you to keep your natural teeth. With proper care, most teeth that have root canals will last for many years.

Call us today to schedule an appointment.