Root canals have not always had the best reputation. However, a root canal treatment can be an extremely beneficial treatment when the canals within your tooth have become infected, damaging the pulp within your tooth. If you need a root canal, our dentist will remove the infected tissues and bacteria from the canals of the tooth. This procedure will generally relieve the severe pain that can arise from the infection itself. In reality, having a root canal is often no more painful than having a cavity filled.

You may need a root canal treatment if:
• Your tooth is sensitive to heat or cold for more than a few seconds.
• Your tooth is painful when you bite down on it or touch it.
• Your gums near your tooth is swollen.
• Your tooth is discolored.
• Your tooth is broken.

The root canal treatment may require one to two visits. The first visit will include the actual root canal. Once our local dentist has cleaned the tooth of all diseased material, a temporary filling material will be placed to protect the exposed tooth. Once the tooth is free of any further signs of infection, a permanent filling or crown can be placed. Some soreness may follow the root canal, often due to the after effects of the infection. However, there should be no active pain during the procedure, and the pain should continue to lessen once the root canal treatment has been completed.

One of the biggest advantages of root canals is that they preserve the tooth itself. Many teeth that may otherwise have been extracted in the past can be saved. It can also virtually immediately eliminate the pain and discomfort of infection and improve oral health. Root canals are estimated to be successful more than 90 percent of the time.

A tooth that has had a root canal will need to be restored, generally through either a filling or a crown. Our restorative dentist can help you understand your options and determine which may be best for your oral health. Contact our dental office today to learn more about root canal treatment or to schedule your appointment.