Root Canal Therapy

When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or dies, root canal therapy is necessary to save the tooth. The pulp is a soft tissue made up of nerves and blood vessels. It’s contained in the pulp chamber, which extends from the middle of the tooth down through the root canals. It becomes infected when bacteria invades the pulp. This happens most commonly through a deep cavity, which allows bacteria through the enamel and dentin layers and into the tooth. Sometimes the pulp simply dies due to a fracture or a blow to the tooth.

Root Canal therapy (symptoms)

Infected Tooth Symptoms:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pain with biting or pressure
• Throbbing or severe pain
• Swelling
• Bad taste in mouth

No symptoms

If  left untreated, the infection can travel through the tips of the tooth roots, and into the jawbone, where it can dissolve the bone and form a painful abscess. To determine if your tooth has an infected pulp, we’ll do a thorough examination, which may include x-rays. The exam sometimes includes checking the health of the pulp with a pulp tester. We may also apply heat or cold, or tap lightly on the tooth to observe sensitivity, look for changes in the tooth’s color, or press gently on the gums next to the tooth to check for pain. If we determine that you have an infected tooth, we’ll talk with you about treatment to remove the infection. A root canal therapy is a generally comfortable treatment that can save your tooth and keep your mouth healthy.