Root Canals Specialist

What is a Root Canal?

When a tooth becomes so decayed that the interior canals of the tooth become infected, a root canal is necessary to remove the decay and repair the tooth. When internal parts of the tooth are damaged, the blood vessels, nerves, and other connective tissues that support the health of the tooth are compromised. Root canals remove the damage and preserve the integrity of the tooth.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

The root canal process is similar to the procedure for a regular dental filling. Our dentists will use special instruments to remove the decayed and damaged pulp, then cleans and seals the area. Once the removal process is complete, a crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it from additional damage and to provide stability. The dentist administers a local anesthetic to numb the area before beginning the root canal. After the procedure, patients may experience some tenderness, which can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication.

How Can I Tell If I Need a Root Canal?

The symptoms of a root canal are more or less the same as the symptoms associated with other types of decay, including toothaches, swollen gums, and increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. The only way to know if you need a root canal is to make an appointment with one of our dentists and have an exam with X-rays to check the health of the interior of your teeth.

Should I Have a Root Canal or an Extraction?

In most cases, it is better to preserve a tooth with a root canal than to have it removed. A patient’s bite mechanics depend on the presence of all the teeth. A missing tooth can disrupt the normal balance of the bite and cause jaw pain, headaches, and other issues, and it can also lead to additional tooth loss. Preserving the natural tooth is also typically less expensive than pulling a tooth and replacing it with a denture, bridge, or implant.