Maintaining Your Bright Smile
Many patients associate the root canal procedure with being a painful experience. However, in reality, you'll likely only feel pain when your tooth is in need of one. In fact, during the procedure, you shouldn't feel any pain thanks to our dental sedation.
A root canal is a small channel inside your tooth that provides it with nutrients. If it becomes infected, you'll need a root canal procedure to resolve the issue.
As long as you take good care of it, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last for the rest of your life.
The Root Canal Procedure
A root canal is a procedure in which your dentist removes diseased material (blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues) from the interior of a damaged tooth.
Once the diseased tissue has been removed, your dentist will clean and sterilize the area, and fill it with medicated material to prevent further infection.
Lastly, we may cap the tooth with a dental restoration, such as a dental crown. Without a root canal, damaged teeth will die and need to be pulled.
Most patients are able to return to school or work the day after their root canal procedure.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
You may be in need of a root canal if you have been experiencing:
- Severe toothache pain
- An abscess on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling and/or tenderness