Root Canal Therapy
When the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection, root canal therapy is needed to save the tooth. This involves removing bacteria and any decay, and then filling the resulting space with special medicated materials which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal on a tooth is the preferred option for salvaging a tooth that would otherwise die and require removal. Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
What are reasons to have a Root Canal?
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection in the tooth or at the root tip
- Cracked or fractured tooth
- Trauma to the tooth
So how do you know if you need a root canal?
Simply watch out for these common signs of infection:
- Pain while Chewing or applying pressure to a tooth
- Prolonged sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures after cause of temperature change has been removed
- Discoloration or a darkening of the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in gums surrounding the tooth