Inside every tooth is the pulp, soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach it, the pulp can become inflamed or infected. Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp, cleans and seals the inside of the tooth, and saves it.
Signs you may need a root canal
- A severe or throbbing toothache, especially at night.
- Pain that lingers after hot or cold.
- Pain when biting.
- Swelling of the gum or face, or a pimple-like bump on the gum.
- A tooth that has darkened after an injury.
Sometimes there are no symptoms, and the problem shows up on an X-ray.
What to expect
- Numbing the tooth thoroughly.
- Removing the infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth.
- Cleaning, shaping and disinfecting the canals.
- Filling and sealing the canals.
The tooth may feel tender for a few days. Treated back teeth usually need a crown to restore full strength.
Why save the tooth?
The alternative is usually extraction, which leaves a gap that then needs an implant, bridge or denture. A tooth saved with a root canal and properly restored can last a lifetime.