When is it Necessary?

The necessity for a root canal arises when the tooth's pulp becomes infected or inflamed, often due to decay, cracked teeth, or trauma. Symptoms may include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling in nearby gums.

The Root Canal Process

• Assessment: Initially, your dentist will perform a thorough examination using X-rays to view the tooth’s shape and check the surrounding bone.
• Anesthesia: The dentist will administer local anesthesia to ensure you're comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
• Pulp Removal: After placing a protective sheet (a "dental dam") around the tooth to keep it clean and dry, the dentist removes the damaged pulp.
• Cleaning and Sealing: The dentist cleans, shapes, and disinfects the hollow area, followed by filling and sealing it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
  
• Restoration: The dentist may place a temporary filling following the treatment. Ultimately the tooth will receive a permanent filling and a crown, enabling it to function just like any other tooth.
  

Post-Procedural Care

• Temporary Filling Adjustment: If you feel that the temporary filling is too high or uncomfortable when biting down, please schedule a follow-up appointment for an adjustment.
• Post-Anesthesia Pain: It’s normal to experience some discomfort or pain while biting down in the days following the procedure. This discomfort typically subsides within a few days.
• Uncommon Pain and Swelling: While rare, if you experience increasing pain or swelling that doesn’t improve or worsens, please contact our office immediately for evaluation.
• Permanent Filling: We usually complete the permanent filling of the treated tooth within one week after the root canal procedure. Please make sure to attend this appointment for the final restoration of your tooth to avoid possible leakage around the temporary restoration and failure of the root canal treatment.
  
• Crown Recommendation: To prevent the risk of fracture to the weakened tooth, we strongly recommend getting a crown. A crown will provide added protection and support to the treated tooth, ensuring its long-term strength and functionality.
  

The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

• Preserving Natural Teeth: The procedure allows you to keep your natural tooth, maintaining your natural bite and oral structure.
• Effective Pain Management: Contrary to the myth that root canals are painful, the procedure actually relieves pain caused by pulp infection.
• Protecting Surrounding Teeth: Safeguarding your general health by keeping oral infections at bay.