Root Canal Treatment

You might need a root canal if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe toothache: The pain may be constant or intermittent and can worsen when chewing or applying pressure.

• Sensitivity: Lingering pain after exposure to hot or cold foods or drinks.

• Swollen or tender gums: The gums around the affected tooth may be swollen, red, or tender.

• Darkening of the tooth: The tooth may appear darker than surrounding teeth.

• Pimple on the gums: A small, pimple-like bump may appear near the affected tooth.

• Deep tooth decay: When decay reaches the pulp, bacteria can cause an infection.

• Cracked or chipped tooth: This can allow bacteria to enter the pulp.

• Repeated dental procedures: Multiple fillings or crowns on the same tooth can irritate the pulp.

• Trauma: A blow to the tooth can injure the pulp, even if the tooth doesn't look damaged.

The procedure is a multi-step process that a dentist performs to treat the infected tooth:

• X-rays: The dentist will take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and the shape of the root canals.

• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring the procedure is comfortable.

• Access: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.

• Pulp removal: The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed.

• Cleaning and shaping: The root canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped to prepare them for filling.

• Filling: The canals are filled with a biocompatible material, most often gutta-percha, to seal them and prevent re-infection.

• Sealing: A temporary filling is placed to seal the opening in the tooth.

• Crown: In most cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance.