What is a root canal?
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures.
Root Canal Signs
If you have any of these symptoms, it may be an indicator of a root canal:
- Minimal to severe pain.
- Tooth discoloration.
- Swelling and irritation in the surrounding gum tissue.
- Signs of infection visible on a radiograph.
How is a root canal performed?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases.
What happens after treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, our doctors will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.
