Root Canal Treatment

What are Root Canals?

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.

What are the signs that a root canal is needed?

You might need a root canal treatment if you suffer from one or more of the following:

• 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

How is the treatment done?

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.

1. 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.
2. After numbing you up, your dentist will "isolate" your tooth by way of placing a rubber dam.
3. Creating an "access cavity” to gain access to the nerve space.
4. Measuring the length of the tooth.
5. Cleaning and shaping the tooth's root canals.
6. Sealing the tooth.
7. Placing a temporary filling.
8. The root canal process has now been completed but your tooth still requires permanent restoration.