What is a Root Canal

Root canal therapy is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. During root canal therapy, the pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Endodontics refers to treatment of the tooth that focuses on diagnosis, treatment and protection of infections in the pulp of the tooth. Endodontic treatments are designed to eliminate any infection that takes place in the pulp, allowing the tooth to continue functioning normally.

Located beneath the enamel and dentin are soft tissues that contain blood vessels and nutritional supplies of the tooth, known as the pulp. Due to some reasons, the pulp may get infected and severely inflamed. When this happens, a treatment where the infected pulp gets extracted becomes necessary in order to stop the spread of infection to the underlying tissue and prevent further damage.

Signs that a root canal is needed?

  • Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
  • Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed)
  • Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth
  • Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
  • A persistent or recurring pimple on the gum
  • Inflammation of the gum near the affected tooth.
  • Oozing from the affected tooth.
  • Inflammation in the face.

The treatment Process

Root canal therapy requires one or more visit and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist. Here are some of the stages of the procedure.

  • Take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone.
  • After numbing you up, your dentist will "isolate" your tooth by way of placing a rubber dam.
  • Creating an "access cavity” to gain access to the nerve space.
  • Measuring the length of the tooth.
  • Cleaning and shaping the tooth's root canals.
  • Sealing the tooth.
  • Placing a temporary filling.
  • The root canal process has now been completed but your tooth still requires permanent restoration.

Our dentist