Root Canal Therapy

If A Cavity Reaches the Pulp Tissue, A Root Canal May Be Necessary

Occasionally, tooth pain is caused by an infection of the pulp in the center of a tooth. For many people, without treatment the tissue surrounding the tooth would become seriously infected and abscesses may form, causing even greater discomfort and more health risks. In order to save such a tooth, root canal therapy can be performed.

How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?

Some of the signs that you may require a root canal include:

• A severe toothache or tooth pain when chewing
• Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, especially after the hot or cold has been removed
• Discoloration of a tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding a particular tooth
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

When considering the possibility of a root canal, we are looking for a tooth that suffers from spontaneous pain or pain that lingers.  Also, while sensitivity may or may not be an indicator for root canal treatment, it’s quite often something that would require a visit to the office in order to determine exactly what is happening.

The Root Canal Procedure

A Root Canal Cleans Out the Infected Tissue Providing Pain Relief

During root canal therapy, the infected root canal space is thoroughly cleaned, and the area is sealed with a safe material. With our Waterlase® system, root canal procedures can be completed more efficiently than traditional methods.

Because the pulp is responsible for giving the tooth its vitality and strength, a tooth which has undergone root canal therapy becomes weak and is prone to chipping or breaking. Therefore, a restorative dentistry option such as a dental crown will be necessary to add strength to the tooth.

With CEREC® 3D technology, your tooth can be restored in just one visit, and in some cases, immediately following your root canal therapy.

If you’re in pain or think you might need Root Canal Therapy, Schedule a Complimentary Consultation.