Root Canal Therapy
When do I need a root canal?
Root canal treatment is indicated when the nerve inside of a tooth is infected or irritated by a cavity or trauma. Often teeth that require a root canal are infected, very sensitive or painful and treatment can provide immediate relief. Root canals are completed to restore teeth to normal function.
Signs/Symptoms for possible root canal:
- Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
- Severe throbbing pain
- Swelling/tenderness to touch and chewing
- Abscess (looks like a pimple) on the gums above the tooth
- Discolored tooth (after trauma)
- Waking up at night from tooth pain
- Sometimes there are no symptoms
What is a root canal?
Root canal treatment is a highly successful treatment option and is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that would otherwise die and need to be removed. The procedure involves disinfecting the inside of the tooth, eliminating bacteria and decay then replacing the space with medicated dental materials to restore the tooth and resolve pain & infection.
The procedure can take one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist). It is possible for teeth that have had a root canal completed to become re-infected and occasionally teeth have to be retreated.
After successful treatment, the tooth sensitivity should subside as the inflammation diminishes over time and the tooth heals.
Your dentist may refer you to a specialist called an "endodontist" for your root canal depending on the complexity of the case.