Endodontics - Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a dental procedure used to save a tooth from an extraction. The pulp “root” is a vital part of a tooth. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this is inflamed or infected a root canal procedure is completed. A root canal is the process of cleaning out the infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth and replacing it, so that the tooth still has support. After your root canal it is highly recommended that a dental crown is placed on that tooth, to protect the root canal and existing tooth surfaces.

How Do I Know if I Might Need a Root Canal?

A root canal treatment is diagnosed after one of our dentists evaluates the health of the tooth and examines the X-rays. Some things we look for are:

Toothache

These are pretty common, but certain toothaches point to the possibility of an inflamed/infected pulp. If you experience sharp pain in the middle of the night that leads into a generalized headache, then your tooth’s root may be suffering.

Abscess

If you see a bump near the top part of a tooth and/or pus present in the mouth, then there is a good chance a root canal will be required.

Sensitivity

Extreme pain to hot and cold foods is a good indicator.

Discoloration

Dark discoloration on the tooth points to a deteriorated pulp. This is a severe sign.