A root canal is a dental procedure involving the removal of the soft center of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. A root canal treatment is needed when the pulp is inflamed or infected due to deep decay. It is an extensive restoration and usually a general dentist or endodontist will perform it while you’re under local anesthesia. We use root canal treatments to allow you to keep affected teeth, rather than have them replaced artificially.
Signs of pulp damage may include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling, tenderness of the overlying gums or a bad taste in the mouth etc.
The bacteria from infection can enter the tissues of gum and jaw which can cause a pus-filled abscess. This can even lead to serious conditions like heart disease and strokes.
Before proceeding with the root canal treatment, a dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the infected area ensuring a painless treatment.
Once the root canal treatment is completed, the treated tooth will heal within a few days.
