Root canals are the #1 way to eliminate a deceased nerve and fill the canal/s of a tooth, so your mouth can be spared from getting an artificial tooth replacement, such as a partial or dental implant.

Patients need root canal therapy when decay has reached the inner tissue (pulp) of a tooth, or if the pulp becomes exposed due to a fracture or break. This inner pulp is a precious section of the tooth because it’s made up of the blood supply and nerves for a tooth. When decay reaches the pulp, the tooth will become extremely painful and very sensitive to hot and cold.  A root canal will remove this decayed inner pulp.

Expect local anesthesia to be used during root canal therapy, and may be completed in one or multiple visits. We see success in more than 90% of all root canal cases!

Is your tooth in pain? This is the most common indicator for a possible root canal.

Ranging from moderate to severe, pain may come and go throughout the day, and may be most intense when eating or at night time. Some patients also experience extreme tooth sensitivity to temperatures. Gums may also feel tender near the affected tooth.

You may also need a root canal if you have any of the following:

• A deep cavity
• A cracked or fractured tooth
• Tooth trauma

 

It’s important to note, that if any of these conditions or pain signals are ignored, the pulp of the tooth can eventually die and an infection can spread into the bone supporting the root(s) of a tooth. You can then become at risk of losing your tooth completely.

With proper care, your restored tooth should continue to function as normal for years to come.