Why a Root Canal May Be Recommended
A root canal is a small channel within your tooth that provides it with nutrients. If it becomes infected, it can be a painful experience as your tooth will likely become very sensitive to hot and cold. That's where a root canal procedure comes into play.
Root canal treatment helps relieve your symptoms and save your natural tooth by removing the infected pulp and nerve in the root of the tooth. The procedure also limits the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
Many people have the idea that root canal treatment is a painful procedure, but you should feel little to no pain or discomfort as you will be given a local anesthetic.
If you have been experiencing tooth pain or extreme sensitivity, a root canal may be the solution. Contact our Emerald Park dentists to book a consultation.
The Root Canal Procedure
During a root canal procedure, your dentist will remove diseased material (blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues) from the inside of your damaged tooth. Without a root canal, the tooth will eventually die and need to be pulled.
Once the tooth is free of the diseased tissue, your dentist will clean and sterilize the area before filling it with medicated material to prevent further infection. If your dentist believes the tooth is unstable following the procedure, they will reinforce it with a dental restoration, such as a dental crown.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
If you have been experiencing any of the signs or symptoms below, you may need a root canal and should contact your dentist for an assessment.
- Severe toothache pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling and/or tenderness
- An abscess on the gums