Root canals are valuable dental procedures used to treat and preserve teeth with infected roots. When the nerve and blood supply of the tooth become infected, you may experience pain, swelling and even total tooth loss unless treated. Root canals remove the damaged parts of the tooth and infected root, and a crown is sometimes necessary after treatment to support the remaining tooth structure.

Many patients associate root canals with pain, but local anesthetics and advancements in modern dentistry have made root canals highly tolerable procedures that are often no less comfortable than getting a standard filling. The key to avoiding a painful appointment is contacting your dentist as soon as you feel that something is not right – swelling, extreme temperature sensitivity, or painful biting.

Only your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for a root canal. If you may be experiencing a toothache, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

What should I expect during my root canal treatment?

The first step in the procedure will involve administration of a local anesthetic. Once the tooth is numb, the diseased portion will be removed and the infected portion is thoroughly cleaned. The tooth will then be sealed and filled before a crown is placed.

What type of post-treatment care is required after a root canal?

It is normal for teeth to become inflamed after a root canal, potentially causing sensitivity for the first several days following treatment. However, normal brushing and flossing habits can be resumed immediately after treatment and restoration is complete.