Root Canal Therapy
Root canals are alternatives to removing a tooth entirely due to an infected nerve. There are a number of reasons why the nerve of a tooth could die, and when it does, it can become infected and often very painful. If the issue is not treated, it can cause serious oral health problems. A root canal consists of the dentist removing the infected nerve tissue, placing a filler in the canal(s), and allowing the tooth to heal. Afterwards, the tooth is usually strengthened with a crown that blends in with the rest of the teeth.
The alternative to a root canal is to have the tooth extracted, which the Team at Compass Dental tries to avoid if possible. Keeping a natural tooth is preferred over implanting an artificial one; it reduces costs for patients while maintaining their overall oral health much longer. Local anesthetic is administered by qualified professionals during root canals, and the procedure can be done in as few as one or two appointments. While tenderness is common after a root canal, severe pain and major swelling are not. If you are experiencing major pain following a root canal, call your dentist immediately. There are a number of assumptions and urban myths about root canals; Compass Dental is here to answer all of your questions so that you can feel confident it is the correct procedure for you.