Dental Health and Root Canals

In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you would probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called root canal treatment, your tooth can be saved.

Root canals are a relatively simple procedure involving one to three office visits. Best of all, having a root canal when necessary can save your tooth and your smile!

What is the purpose of a root canal?

A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to its health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory: to convey the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.

When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue and germs can cause an infection inside. If left untreated, an abscess may form. If the infected tissue is not removed, pain and swelling can result.

This can not only injure your jawbones, but it is detrimental to your overall health. Without the proper treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.

What are the signs that a root canal is needed?

Teeth that require root canal therapy are not always painful. However, signs you may need a root canal include severe toothache, pain upon chewing or application of pressure, prolonged sensitivity or pain in response to hot and cold temperatures, a dark discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact our office.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment involves one to three visits. During treatment, a general dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems with the nerves of the teeth) removes the affected tissue. Next, the interior of the tooth will be cleaned and sealed.

Finally, the tooth is filled with a dental composite. If your tooth had extensive decay, the doctor may suggest placing a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from breakage. As long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

A tooth infection typically signals its presence through persistent aching, gum swelling, or a "pimple-like" bump on the gums. You might also notice sharp pain when chewing or lingering sensitivity to temperature. It is vital to act quickly; if left untreated, the infection can spread to your jawbone and bloodstream, leading to serious systemic health issues. A root canal stops this spread, eliminates pain, and prevents the need for an extraction.

Despite their reputation, modern root canals are no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling. First, we thoroughly numb the area to ensure your comfort. We then create a small access point to remove the infected pulp, carefully cleaning and disinfecting the internal canals. Finally, we seal the tooth with a biocompatible material. In most cases, a custom crown is placed afterward to restore the tooth’s full strength and appearance.

We recognize that the idea of a root canal can be stressful, so we prioritize a calming, patient-centered experience. Our team uses gentle communication to explain every step, ensuring there are no surprises. We provide powerful local anesthesia for a pain-free visit, and for those who need extra help relaxing, we offer various sedation options. Your emotional comfort is just as important to us as your clinical care.