Root Canals

Root Canal Therapy

Also known as Endodontic therapy, root canal treatment is a safe and effective way to repair and save a tooth that has become infected or is severely decayed.

The dental pulp of a tooth has nerves and blood vessels, and when this area of the tooth becomes inflamed and infected, it can be excruciating.

Your dentist will disinfect the pulp chamber and canals, removing bacteria leaving the area clean.  Following this a tooth colored filling will be placed.  Your dentist may discuss the need of a custom made crown to increase the strength and longevity of the tooth.

Common symptoms indicating the need for a root canal treatment:

• Swelling in the face
• Hot/cold sensitivity
• Large hole in the tooth
• Spontaneous pain
• Pain that keeps you up at night
• Discomfort while chewing
• Tooth discoloration

Common Myths

• Root canal treatment is painful – with anesthetic and technology, root canal treatment is as easy as having a small filling placed. General dentists are experienced in pain management and the majority of root canals can be done in one appointment very comfortably.
• It’s better to pull a tooth than have a root canal – The majority of the time saving natural teeth is the best option. Once a tooth is taken out the surrounding or adjacent teeth may start to drift and change the bite which may lead to reduced chewing function.  In the long run, replacing an extracted tooth with either a bridge or implant may be more expensive than root canal therapy.