A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat and save a damaged/infected. During root canal therapy, the dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth). It further involves cleaning and disinfecting the root canals and then sealing and restoring the tooth.
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Sometimes no symptoms are present
- Swelling and/or tenderness
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
Root canal therapy can be completed within one or two appointments. Your dentist or endodontist will first numb the tooth, and place a rubber dam around it to keep it dry. An access opening is made on top of the tooth, and root canal files are used to remove the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. The decay is removed with special equipment. After a thorough cleaning, the tooth is sealed with a permanent or temporary filling. You will be advised a crown to protect the treated tooth.
