Root canal therapy is a common, and often misunderstood, dental procedure. It’s used to keep teeth that have been damaged from being lost due to infection. By preserving the integrity of the natural tooth, root canals let us restore a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed.
How does root canal treatment work?
When a tooth is compromised, the soft inner tissue of the tooth, called the pulp, can be exposed to bacteria. If this happens, a dangerous infection can result and spread to your gums and the supporting tissue for the tooth. If this infection is untreated, the tooth can be lost or damage to your gums can result.
Root canal treatment keeps the tooth safe from infection by removing the pulp. The pulp is removed through a small hole that is drilled in the tooth, and the inside of the tooth is sanitized to prevent further infection. After the treatment, we seal the tooth with a filling and restore it with a dental crown.
Aren’t root canals painful?
Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but modern root canals feel similar to getting a tooth filled. The treatment area may be sensitive to hot and cold for a while after the treatment.