Root Canal Therapy
Learn more about Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is needed when a cavity has reached the tooth’s pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth) or when the tooth has an infection (abscess). A root canal may also be preformed if a tooth has been fractured or traumatized due to injury. Common symptoms of tooth infection may include:
- Lingering sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures
- Pain when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums surrounding the tooth
Root canal therapy saves a tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted. In order to save the tooth the doctor will remove all decay, bacteria, and infected living tissue inside the tooth. This is done with specially designed files and a state of the art rotary file system. Once the inside of the tooth is properly cleaned out, a special filling material is coated with sealer and placed into the cleaned out space.
The inside of the tooth will now be sealed off from future bacterial invasion. Once the root canal is complete, the tooth will require a build up and a crown (cap) to ensure the future integrity and function of the tooth.
