Root Canal Treatment

A root canal salvages a diseased tooth by removing the infected and damaged necrotic root nerve and pulp of the tooth. All of this is done as gently as possible. The procedure prevents further damage to the surrounding bone, teeth, and gum and leaves the root intact, only infected tissue is removed.

Infected pulp in your tooth is caused by:

• Untreated cavities
• Large, deep restorations
• A cracked or broken tooth
• Past or current trauma to a tooth

Signs that you may need a root canal:

• Severe tooth discomfort when chewing
• Long-lasting pain when exposed to hot or cold temperatures
• Discoloration or darkening of a tooth
• Persistent pimple-like swelling around the gum tissue

Most of the time, root canal therapy is a relatively simple procedure that can save your tooth and involves less discomfort than many patients expect.